Exciting milestone for Doncaster’s Mining Statue
Doncaster’s mining statue marked an important milestone this week as it moved into its permanent residence in the town centre.
Construction work is almost complete on the ambitious and exciting project to create an iconic piece of art to commemorate Doncaster’s proud mining heritage right in the very heart of the town centre.
Acclaimed international artist/sculptor Laurence Edwards was commissioned to design the artwork and met with hundreds of local people from the mining community who got in touch to share their stories, each giving a fascinating insight into our mining history. Laurence sculptured their portraits in wax while they have told their stories. These have then been cast in bronze and are an important part of the statue. Doncaster College filmed the portrait sessions and these can be viewed via the Doncaster College YouTube page.
The finished statue features a 6ft bronze miner stood in between two pieces of rock, symbolising the miner travelling up the mineshaft after a shift. Like a seam of coal, the rock has a seam of 39 bronze portraits.
Once installed, the sculpture will be “wrapped up” and the work on the rest of the public realm will start. This work will be complete at the end of March.
Located on Printing Office Street, the statue also complements the town centre masterplan which is revitalising our urban centre and can be viewed virtually until national restrictions are lifted.
Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said:
“Despite the challenges that this dreadful virus presented, we were determined that Doncaster’s ambitious regeneration plans didn’t grind to a halt or even lose momentum. When we see life return to our town centre again, we want to offer a vibrant and lively experience with a varied arts, cultural, retail and leisure scene for all.
“So behind the scenes, work has continued on the statue, a major part of our town centre’s regeneration alongside another wonderful new development, the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.
“We are starting to build a portfolio of impressive ‘Civic’ art in Doncaster such as the Gaumont Frieze in Waterdale and we are delighted to welcome this piece to the town. It will tap into our unique character and further enhance the centre as a welcoming, vibrant place to visit and enjoy.
“In the meantime, we will be updating you on the progress and invite you to take a virtual look at the statue before we can organise a celebration event when national restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.”
Please view the video below -
