Plensa's Dream in situ at former Colliery
Date uploaded: March 18, 2009
Update 13th September 2009
Dream is the spectacular, internationally significant, landmark sculpture sited on the former Sutton Manor Colliery in St.Helens, close to Junction 7 of the busy M62, midway between Manchester and Liverpool, where it is passed by over 35 million vehicles a year.
The 20 metre-high artwork takes the form of a young girl’s head with her eyes closed in a seemingly dream-like state. The piece has a white, almost luminescent finish in marked contrast to the black of the coal that still lies below. Its contours and reflectivity change according to the time of day and the weather.
Dream was conceived and designed by the world-renowned, award-winning, Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. His other works include The Crown Fountain (2000) in the centre of Chicago and Breathing, the illuminated glass dome of BBC Broadcasting House in London.
Commissioned by ex-miners and St.Helens Council, the sculpture reflects the aspirations of the local community, who, far from wanting a mining monument, sought instead a forward-looking piece that would provide a beautiful, inspiring, contemplative space for generations to come.
Over and above honouring the human heritage of the site, the artwork is also intended to symbolise the area’s positive post-industrial transformation, become an iconic new regional landmark, generate significant economic benefits, and enhance local pride.
Dream was the undisputed star of the prime time Channel 4 Big Art TV series that chronicled its 3-year development, and has received significant popular and critical acclaim since being launched on 31 May 2009, as well as being nominated for a number of awards.
Please note that due to the gradient of the path, the summit of Sutton Manor has never been easily accessible to wheelchair users. Options to improve disabled access to the site are currently being considered by the Council and the Forestry Commission.
Update 23rd April 2009
Dream has been officially unvieled on Mersyside
Follow this link to read more on the BBC website
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Construction work is getting under way on a landmark piece of public art on Merseyside.
The 20m (66ft) high Dream sculpture is being constructed near junction 7 of the M62 on the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery, St Helens.
It takes the form of a girl's head with her eyes closed, seemingly in a dream-like state, and was chosen by a group of local ex-miners.
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