Wednesday, November 2, 2016

News: Making the Man of Steel

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The iconic Yorkshire Man of Steel project has its own new exhibition being hosted at Rotherham's Clifton Park Museum.

The iconic piece of art is designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

Recently resubmitted, plans were approved conditionally in 2012 for the 27.3m high art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

The sculpture alone will weigh over 100 tonnes, and be 50% bigger than the Angel of the North.

"Making the Man of Steel" explores the inspiration and innovation behind the Yorkshire Man of Steel project, its link to Rotherham's steel and coal heritage and the new technologies that will play a part in the creation of this sculpture.

A number of local companies are sponsoring the exhibition, led by Rotherham manufacturing specialist, MTL Advanced and supported by Pro Co Print and We Are Branding.

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Cllr. Taiba Yasseen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services at Rotherham Council, said: "The objects within the exhibition focus around both historic and current innovation in Rotherham, exploring the region’s coal and steel heritage as well as new technology.

"The themes of the past, present and future are represented in the exhibition's exploration of our industrial traditions, and you can find out what inspired the Yorkshire Man of Steel. With its links to Rotherham's industrial heritage, Clifton Park Museum is the perfect setting for this new exhibition."

The Museum's collections team sourced and put together the "past" side to the exhibition and the Man of Steel project sourced and put together the "present" and "future" objects and labels.

Until recently the landmark project been supported entirely by the private sector as it edges closer to its overall funding target of £4.2m.

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been created which will work with the Rotherham Council, stakeholder partners, and other trustees to manage the project and deliver a lasting legacy that includes education and apprenticeships.

Earlier this year, the project secured backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the body which distributes a share of the income from the National Lottery to projects aimed at preserving and making accessible the nation's heritage. The round one funding of £106,000 will enable a team to work to secure the funds needed for a visitor centre on the former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

The exhibition runs until May 21 2017.

Man of Steel website

Images: Yorkshire Man of Steel / AXIS Architecture


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