Sculpture will attract people to town say planners

A MOVING metallic sculpture — which reacts to the weather — will provide Rotherham town centre with a “large-scale visitor attraction,” according to plans.

Gallery Town is leading the project to bring the near eight-metre tall Camellia piece to a spot in Effingham Street, just east of All Saints’ Square.

The artwork — by sculptor James Capper — is inspired by the flower of the same name and will be a “continually animated” installation.

Plans submitted by Rotherham Council say: “Working with local manufacturers, apprentices and non-for-profit organisations, Gallery Town are looking to introduce an iconic piece of artwork into the town centre.

“Overall, the applicant aims to achieve a high standard of design which in practice aligns with the aims of the Gallery Town commission and links with the industrial heritage of Rotherham, as well as the desire for the sculpture to celebrate innovation and technology.

“The sculpture will be fabricated by MTL, who are a local manufacturer, and the artist will work closely with the apprentice manager and the team of apprentices to create the sculpture.

“A key priority for the Gallery Town team and the artist is that the new commission integrates with Rotherham through careful research and engagement with the area.”

The sculpture will be 7.85 metres high and 4 metres wide — about 26 by 13 ft — and comprise painted steel, hydraulics and lights.

The plans from RMBC say: “The artwork will provide the town centre with a large-scale visitor attraction to maximise the impact for all.”

Gallery Town was launched in 2011 as an open air art project aimed at increasing visitor numbers to Rotherham town centre.

Funding for the Camellia project has come from Arts Council England and local businesses.

The flowers already have a link to Rotherham through Wentworth Woodhouse, where the 18th century Camellia House was built to house the prized blooms.

It still has some of the rarest types of camellias and is being revived as a tearoom thanks to £4 million of Levelling Up cash.

RMBC’s public consultation on the sculpture plans closes on December 8.