Artist Jaume Plensa looks at a scaled model version of his art sculpture to be installed at Sutton Manor Colliery in St Helens _320
A SPECTACULAR new landmark artwork, chosen by a group of local ex-miners in St Helens, has received planning permission.
Titled Dream, the 20 metres high sculpture, by internationally renowned artist Jaume Plensa, is to be sited on top of the former Sutton Manor Colliery, located close to Junction 7 of the M62.
St Helens council approved the work, which is intended to become a gateway feature for Merseyside, on Tuesday night.
It is commissioned by the council as part of The Big Art Project, an ambitious public art initiative from Channel 4 supported by Arts Council England and The Art Fund.
The work will symbolise the regeneration of the whole region and has a planned launch date of spring, 2009.
Cllr Brian Spencer, leader of StHelens Council said: "As both council leader and someone who worked down Sutton Manor Colliery myself, I am delighted that planning permission has been received for this spectacular new artwork, which is intended to symbolise the positive post- industrial transformation that St Helens has undergone in recent years.
"It is a testament to the nature and scale of our forward-looking ambition that an artist of the international standing of Jaume Plensa is undertaking this commission.
"This landmark new artwork aims to not only put St Helens on the map, but also to have a major positive impact on the rest of Merseyside and the North West in terms of the significant economic and cultural benefits it will bring."
Dream takes the form of the head of a girl with eyes closed in a dream-like state. It is the artist’s response to the brief, and to subsequent conversations with the ex-miners and members of the wider local community.
Residents said they wanted a piece that looked to a brighter future and created a beautiful, contemplative space for future generations.
It is to be fabricated in pre-cast concrete with a white finish, using a marble/concrete aggregate mix in marked contrast to the black of the coal that still lies below.
The progress of St.Helens’ Dream is being filmed for a Channel 4 series to be broadcast in 2009. The Big Art Project seeks to inspire and create new works of public art, commissioned by communities, as well as debating the importance of art in the built environment.
* THE project is being curated by Liverpool Biennial and is supported by the Forestry Com- mission, the Northwest Coalfield Communities Regeneration Programme and the European Regional Development Fund via the Merseyside Objective 1 Programme.
