10 years since the unveiling of The Heanor Wings & Wheel Sculpture

In 2010 Rachel was commissioned by Amber Valley Borough Council to create a gateway sculpture in the town of her birth.

Heanor in South Derbyshire has a rich industrial history, from textiles and hosiery to coal. The sculpture sits on the corner of the old site of I R Morley's, a textile manufacturer established in 1795 whose premises in Heanor employed over 1000 people until it closed towards the end of the 20th century.

I R Morley's logo featured a wheel set in a pair of wings titled the Flying Wheel and was the first company logo added onto a piece of clothing.

The sculpture takes inspiration from this story and presents a wing either side of the sculpture which is punctured by a large wheel representing industry and regeneration.

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Sculpture due for Unveiling

All the elements of the sculpture have been coming together over the last few weeks. A 2 tonne block of Derbyshire sandstone has been selected from the quarry which has been given a clean cut across the top and bottom ready to form the plinth of the sculpture. The four outer sides have been left natural to give a contrast with the delicate bronze piece.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the sculpture installed and can’t wait to be able to share images with you, but for now heres the plinth awaiting a bronze sculpture.

History of Glass Production in Hatton

Over the last few months I have been delving into the history of blown glass production at the Trent Valley works that once stood in Hatton, South Derbyshire to gather inspiration for my forthcoming sculpture for the Salt Brook meadow.

The relationship between the groups of workers is as fascinating as is the tools and moulds they used.