Large artwork planned to celebrate Kirk Hallam’s industrial past

A 4m (13ft) artwork is planned for the heart of a Derbyshire village.

The installation’s design will bridge the gap between Kirk Hallam’s industrial past and its future.

Community organisation Big Kirk Hallam’s imposing public artwork will, if approved by Erewash planners, be installed at Kirk Hallam Lake and Meadow this autumn.

While the final design is being kept under wraps, much of its inspiration comes from Stanton Ironworks.

Now being redeveloped as industrial units and housing, the vast site’s metalworks were a huge influence in life in the area, from the 1840s until its final pipe was cast in 2007.

Anna Wheelhouse, a Nottingham-based community artist working with Big Kirk Hallam on the scheme, said: “With Ilkeston and Kirk Hallam having such a rich industrial history we wanted to do something to celebrate the heritage of the area, Stanton Ironworks, the railway, the mine.

“We want to combine Kirk Hallam life past, present and future and educate the young people of the area about the history of so many families that live here.

“Back in the day sons, fathers, grandfathers all worked at Stanton Ironworks. It shaped what Kirk Hallam is.

“Even for the families that didn’t work there it was ever present, this enormous factory creating all these amazing things in metal.”

Designed by sculptor Debs Wrekon, the 4.75m (15ft) wide work will incorporate use items of scrap reclaimed from Stanton.

It will feature plasma-cut detailing, including poems and rhymes written by villagers, while part will resemble a bird hide.

A QR code on the metalwork will link to a website including photos from Stanton Ironworks and videos of people talking about their lives.

Ms Wheelhouse added: “Hopefully in 30 years time, whatever the site of the ironworks is, a big shopping centre or some housing maybe, through this the history will be remembered.”

A decision on the installation will be made by Erewash Borough Council planners in due course.

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