Scorpion to deliver sting as landmark for Forgemasters

Sheffield Council recently granted planning permission for the creation at the entrance of Sheffield Forgemasters’ 64-acre plant on the city’s Brightside Lane, clearing the way for work to begin.

The sculpture, which will be made a team of 21 apprentices, was the idea of Forgemasters’ chief executive Graham Honeyman and designed by public arts sculptor Robin Widdowson and artist Sara Beavan.

Forgemasters’ training officer Rick Franckeiss said: “This is not just about making a piece of artwork; we are giving the apprentices the chance to take part in a unique team building project.

“The skills they are picking up apply to their working day significantly including problem solving and innovation. This is really getting them thinking about solutions.”

Mr Honeyman said: “We believe the concept of a striking piece of contemporary public art on the gateway to our site, will become a real landmark for the city region.

“The fact that the scorpion will be made by apprentices using recycled materials from our company and manufacturing processes is particularly important.”

Designers said the scorpion will feature a core steel substructure with recycled metal forming the upper layer of the sculpture giving a weathered appearance.

It will be mounted on a concrete foundation and will be illuminated from the base creating what they called “a striking display”.