The Yorkshire based 154 Collective were recently selected to develop and produce one of a number of pieces of public art that will adorn the main gateways into Barnsley town centre. The most recent additions to Barnsley’s vast array of public art include Nigel Hall’s Crossing (Vertical), a monumental sculpture on loan from Yorkshire Sculpture Park; and Rachel Welford’s three glass artworks which commemorates Barnsley PALs. Both sit in the Barnsley PALs Centenary Square, outside of the Town Hall.
The 154 Collective comprises of artist Fabric Lenny, writer and theatre practitioner Dan Mallaghan and photographer and animator Yvonne Roberts. Subject to planning approval, their large bird totem sculpture, titled ‘TIN’T TIN TIN’, will stand four metres high on the grassland at the corner of County Way and Old Mill Lane.
The bird-themed sculpture celebrates the rich history of the Barnsley’s tin industry; specifically the Barnsley Canister Company, formerly based on Sackville Street and its eclectic products, patterns and colours – some of which can be seen on display in Experience Barnsley‘s permanent displays.
The bird imagery was developed through a series of drawing workshops, conducted with a variety of people who live and work around the proposed location, including those who study at Barnsley College.
The sculpture itself will be constructed, cut and assembled from lazer-cut sheets of stainless steel. The artwork is expected to be installed before the end of March.
The 154 Collective have previously produced an animation for The Romans Are Coming exhibition at Experience Barnsley and curated an exhibition at The Cooper Gallery which coincided with Barnsley’s celebrations of the London 2012 Olympics.
Find out more about the collective’s work by visiting 154collective.co.uk
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