First train sculpture unveiled in Bridgnorth for art trail
The first real size statue of an iconic locomotive which will be installed around Bridgnorth this year as part of an art trail has been unveiled.
The miniature statues, of aluminium cast, are part of the Catch Me Who Can Project – a tribute to Bridgnorth's historic train Catch Me Who Can, created in 1808.
The statues, of which there will be 12, have each been sponsored by a business or group, and will be decorated individually by Bridgnorth-based artists.
They will then be placed throughout the town and surrounding area to contribute to the town's heritage and artistic offerings – and form the Bridgnorth Art Trail which will be launched in the town in late spring.
The first real size train statue was seen for the first time at an event for the artists and sponsors at Marches Centre of Manufacturing and Technology on Thursday, as well as an opportunity for guests to see the manufacturing process.
Councillor Julia Buckley, project manager, said: "When we started with the plans, 16 councillors voted unanimously that our town should do this project. We started with a plan of 10 fibre glass statues which would have to be put away in the winter.
"Now they will cast aluminium statues which will remain in the town for five years. One hundred per cent of the artists involved in the project came from Bridgnorth. We have so much talent here and we are delighted to have them on the project.
"We have a map of the 12 statues which will be installed in the first year. If you walk around all 12, you will have walked around two miles in the town.
"All 12 statues will have a letter on them and when you collect all 12 there will be an anagram for children to work out.
"It is not about tourism or boosting the economy, it is about involving everyone and the younger community."
Bridgnorth Mayor, Ron Whittle, added: "It has been great to see the reveal of the first life size statue. They came to council with an idea to do something similar to Birmingham and Wolverhampton, right here in Bridgnorth.
"There are so many different elements coming to together for this project, which is rather typical for Bridgnorth's great community spirit.
"Each sponsor is putting in a lot of money which is a fantastic level of support you can get in Bridgnorth.
"I think this is tremendous – the image of these statues being placed around the town. I think it is superb."
More information on the project can be found on the Catch Me Who Can Art Trail Facebook page.
