Elsecar Artwork Unveiling

On Thursday, 30th May, the Chair of the Trans Pennine Trail Partnership, John Wilson, and myself were invited by colleagues at Barnsley Council and Elsecar Heritage Centre to join in the unveiling of the latest piece of artwork across the Trail, Industrious Revolutions.

We were a little worried when we started the journey as we knew there had been an incident on the M1 motorway so decided to take a detour but glad to say we arrived in plenty of time and our early arrival gave us the chance to watch a film in the visitor centre covering the history of the site – if you’ve not seen it, I’d certainly recommend it – the producer has worked brilliantly to bring the industrial heritage of the canal basin and the ironworks to life.

Afterwards we joined the others who had come along for the morning’s main attraction, the unveiling of this fabulous corten steel life size horse sculpture, by the artist Patrick Murphy. 

The location of the artwork is in a fabulous position, giving people the chance to see it if they’re just visiting the heritage centre but it’s also visible from the Trans Pennine Trail where it will certainly catch the eye of Trail users. 

It’s a fantastic piece of artwork that’s very tactile and includes pieces that depict the industrial heritage but also the wildlife of the area and the TPT.  The name of the artwork is truly fitting, Industrious Revolutions.

It was wonderful to see so many different organisations represented at the opening, including Councillors, members of the British Horse Society, volunteers and users of the TPT – and the weather stayed kind for us too.

The artwork will spark interest from those who are local and those using the Trail who may travel from further afield.  It will provide a great talking point and also encourage those who maybe haven’t visited Elsecar Heritage Centre to call in and see what a wonderful place it is to enjoy a day out.   

The TPT National Office are proud to be involved in this programme to produce this spectacular piece of artwork.
Official press release from Barnsley Council    

Read the fantastic feedback that Patrick has received: https://www.facebook.com/mentions/1717441752894331/?notif_id=1717441752894331&notif_t=mention&ref=notif

 And follow the link to our short video of a selection of photos taken during the event. https://youtu.be/gP507NyLar0.

Date: 4th June 2024 

              
       Mandy Loach