A local galvanizing company has played a major role in the
creation of a series of commemorative sculptures depicting the
Black Country's industrial heritage.
Wednesfield-based Edward Howell Galvanizers, part of Wedge Group
Galvanizing, galvanized in excess of five tonnes of steel for the
sculptures, which are situated along the Dudley No 2 Canal, part of
a major scheme to highlight the canal's crucial role in the
creation of the Black Country.
A total of 35 separate steel sculptures and plaques of varying
shapes and sizes have been designed by local artist Luke Perry, of
which most have already been installed. Lottery funding given to
the Dudley Canal Trust was used to produce the sculpture trail,
which is situated along a four-mile stretch of the canal.
It is hoped that the commemorative artworks, each depicting a
different role played by the canal throughout history, will revive
public interest in the towpath, which is a major amenity for many
local people, and also connects two local nature reserves.
Luke Perry said: "This project is a real celebration of the
Black Country, and was extremely exciting to be involved in. It is,
in effect, a 'walking museum', depicting key moments in the area's
industrial heritage.
"As each sculpture is completely bespoke, designing them has
involved countless conversations with veterans of the industry and
area, to enable us to have first-hand accounts of the people,
characteristics, events, and themes that they are based on. The
finished sculptures look great along the towpath, and will
enlighten generations of people on what was once the main artery of
the area's industry - without the canal, there would be no Black
Country."
As there was a large amount of metalwork involved in creating
the artwork, ensuring durability and weatherproofing of the
sculptures was paramount.
Jim Lindsay, Commercial Manager of Edward Howell Galvanizers,
said: "The completed sculptures, which even feature a
record-breaking racing pigeon, are lively, attractive, and
interesting, and will be a fantastic educational source for the
area. The hot-dip galvanizing process that we put each piece
through will protect them from rust and corrosion and ensure that
people can enjoy the artwork and learn about the Black Country's
fascinating history for many years to come."
The sculpture trail was commissioned as part of an initiative to
revamp the canal towpath, which also involves improving access to,
and along, the walkway.
Wedge Group Galvanizing is the largest hot dip galvanizing
organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years.
With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, they offer
a truly national galvanizing service.