Where is this ...

... in Wigan? (Oh no, not again!)

I know where, but I've always wondered what and why, Jo Anne.

I find them grotesque. Remind me of Pete Marsh and co.

I'm almost certain I've read information about them online, possibly in Wiganworld, but I've not been able to find it, Dostaf.

Hope someone is able to tell us something about them.

If we were nearer the bogs, I'd say it was something to do with burials.

They've been there a few years now.

I vaguely remember something about Wigan's industrial history - I think.

Hence the toothed wheel?

They could be medieval characters.

Or just a pair of owd hoodies who like hanging about near the...


Better not give anything away.

One word joanne frightening .

They could be a modern day one of these*, Ann.

(*Childhood thing that scared you )

There will be Christmas Trees stacked up there in about 10 weeks

That is frightening, Rio Caroni.

At least the council had the foresight to shift what was nearby, but never used.

(That might still be on another photo I have - these were taken in 2010.)

No, they moved them.(I think there were at least two)

Never occupied, to my knowledge.

Are these still there now?

Not sure, Jo Anne. I think they are. I was referring to somthing a bit bigger.

I was just about to post on this thread that despite knowing where etc. It's doing me yed in what they called the place.

Not featured on certain parts of 'album' and the 'Google Street' driver obeyed the rules.

Don't think so but there is one of those daft Wigan Shopping Ticket machines. Does anybody use these?

There's also a thing above with windows in. (I think)

I haven't got a Wigan Plus card yet, Rio.

wiganplus.com

Bugger!

Just remembered a certain singular business in that location.

But google reminds me that they flitted to somewhere not far away.

Dear God! It's not the name I now think it is, is it? (Found an old address listed as No.7 *** etc.

They must be locals.

Edit

Perhaps not.

jo anne For god's sake where is it?

(Not sure what Dostaf's on about?)

Does this help, MarieM?

What's the name of the piggin thorughfare?

Couple of kiosk type stalls were put there but never opened.

jo anne No

It's the 'corridor' on this photo, MarieM - between the pound shop on the left and Greenwood's on the right.

jo anne I will have a look tomorrow. Thanks.

You're welcome, MarieM.

I’ve found this WW Forum discussion of the artwork.

Dostaf, the thoroughfare's name is ... something I can't recall at the moment.

Orrell Arcade, I think.

A thoroughfare between Market Street and the Market Square in Wigan Galleries.

jo anne Whereabouts are these monstrosoties situated.

On the left wall of the arcade if you're walking through it from the Market Square in Wigan Galleries to Market Street, MarieM.

September explanation.

I remembered the door to the amusement arcade and had a bit of a google.

Kings.

Nearly gave a clue of sorts about Kings and Queens. (Queen's Hall)

Anyroad google gave me some info about '7 The Galleries'

More googlin' threw up 'Leigh Arcade'.

Hence my naughty comments about locals @ 21:32.

But it's Orrell.

Whatever did happen to those kiosks?(I'm sure there were two, could have ben just the one.)

I don't remember the kiosks, Dostaf.

An older photo showing Orrell Arcade - with Boots on its left and Greenwood's on its right.

Thinking of art and Leigh - the Turnpike Gallery is somewhere I keep meaning to visit.

Not had any luck in finding out more about this:



The artwork being displayed in 'The Galleries' has made the search more complex.

'The artwork being displayed in 'The Galleries' has made the search more complex.'



I know what you mean, Jo Anne. During my Planes of Marsh Green research, Hendon caused a bit of bother.

I sometimes believe the internet is an infinite information resource, if only you know how to find it.

Perhaps my faith is a bit misdirected.

I was only saying/typing so myself, the other day.

Those kiosks were about the size of a shed, rather than those little lottery type things.

Place is/was struggling to fill shops/stalls and they put them there.

Possibly 3-4 years ago.

No sign of them online, so far, Dostaf.

The Urban Design Awards Scheme (2005-2010) links are are not helpful to this thread, but they are interesting.

Has anyone yet said they like the piece?

Should name it 'Fricknin'

They definitely add character to the arcade, Dostaf.

Must admit, I haven't paid too much attention to the detail on the floor in the past.

too busy keeping an eye out for cyclists.

And on one occasion a scuffle with some security guards and a shoplifter. (Them scuffling, not me)

Not sure how the floor has worn over the last few years - it may have suffered from scuffing.

Was in Leigh (again) the other week and saw their public art on Bradshawgate.

I quite like it. Represents cotton weaving.

No photos?

Did you notice the feature awarded in the Urban Design Awards Scheme 2006 (pdf)?

Here

Some lovely pics in that set.

Tonker may not agree with a few of the location descriptions.

Bright

Behave, Mache.

There's a lovely cupola up that end too.

T'other end is a bit like the end of civilization.

13:30 Thanks, Dostaf. And information?

Might I point out we've got artwork in Wigan along the same lines.

Don't get me going about that one, Jo Anne.

Someone wrote (possibly on here) that it represented the letter W (for Wigan).

I can't find more about that doings in Leigh.

I do really like it.

I know you like Wigan's Warp and Weft, Dostaf, that's why I pointedly posted it.

'Adrian Moakes' work often has a playful quality. Wigan Warp and Weft is constructed from plate steel. It changes as you walk around it, being tall elegant curves from some viewpoints and more angular from others. The interweaving shapes, a reference to Wigan's textile heritage, open out at the top to form a "W" shape.

Wigan Public Art Trail

It is worth noting, that at the base of that eyesore, there's a plaque which tells us Wiganers that it was funded by European cash.

They could have stuck it anywhere.

Warrington, Widnes, Wallamalooo.

A disappointing attitude.

12th April 2008 - some negative comments below.

Put it on the scary things thread.

You know the cheesy way of telling the difference between warp and weft?

Leigh Spindle

Warp = vertical.

Weft = horizontal (or Weft to Wight)

... if I'm not mistaken. (12th Dec 2008 at 21:22)

I'm not one to carry a grudge about that thing.

At least the doings in Leigh could give them skyward aspirations.

Saturn V

"A landmark which celebrates Leigh's heritage and future has been unveiled in the town centre.

The Leigh Spindle 2001 - a five metre high, stainless steel cone - was welcomed by Lord Smith of Leigh at a special ceremony in Bradshawgate on Monday.

It's top section of the cone depicts the theme of spinning, both of textiles and cables, while the lower panels represent aspects of Leigh's industrial history.

A little higher up an illuminated section features images of contemporary life in the town."
(July 2001)

Thanks, Dostaf. And the internet.

"Cyberspace - the vital frontier."

And the internet.

The Leigh Spindle, Camm Design, Craig and Mary Matthews

Public Sculpture of Greater Manchester

And we thought the grotesques were hard to find info on.

(Thread tpic, not Leythers )

"The reaction in Leigh to the removal of Marjan Wouda's Pit Pony and the installation of The Leigh Spindle suggests that the public's attitude towards modern public sculpture continues to be ambivalent." (same book)

I suppose I can understand that, Jo Anne. Though I haven't seen the Pit Pony.

Perhaps the newer item is too abstract.

Leigh Pit Pony photo

Upset school children

A council spokesman said: "Four years ago the Spinning Gate Centre threw the statue out and the council took it in to give it a temporary home until a more suitable place could be found.



You couldn't make it up. (I know I shouldn't laugh )

If I find out about the Orrell Arcade artwork, I'll be laughing.

Just discovered something more out about the metal benches in Ince.

A Wigan Council Public Art Guidance leaflet feautures a photo of one of the benches, with adults & Rose Bridge High School pupils proudly posing by it - the school was presumably involved in the project.
(Cross-shaped photo, left of Page 1)

'Why Bother with Public Art?

Public art demonstrates that the organisation you work for cares about its clients, customers and employees, and about the community and environment.
It provides an upfront marketing tool, demonstrating your commitment to quality and positive attitudes to the present and future. Public art is often the
‘jewel in the crown’ that lifts a quality development above the crowd and makes it distinctive.'

That's a bit controversial.

Reminds me of that outcry over sculptures outside a hospital somewhere. (Can't remember where)

Monolith And Shadow

'That's a bit controversial.' Artistic licence?

‘jewel in the crown’ - whether some public art is that sparkling does spark debate.

I just try to appreciate it if it's there.

The four sculptures installed at Trencherfield Mill for a while were interesting and the accompanying information imaginative, but I found I didn't particularly miss them when they were gone. The environment there now is enjoyable enough.
(Since that photo was taken, the smashed windows have all been replaced and that's made a real improvement.)

I didn't know thise sculptures had gone, Jo Anne.

I hadn't seen them personally as I haven't been neat there for a few years.

And I'm one of those who curse/d fellow Wiganers for not visiting 'The Way We Were'

My grandad was Pete Marsh,dostaf.

Lindow Man, also known as Lindow II and (in jest) as Pete Marsh, is the preserved bog body of a man discovered in a peat bog at Lindow Moss near Wilmslow in Cheshire, North West England.

Wiki

The four sculptures at Trencherfield Mill will be in place until November 2010. (WW News)

Can't remember when they went exactly.

I had to think who Pete Marsh was, Dostaf.

I don't think I've seen the lights under the changeline bridge either.

Nor the beleaguered statues.

I spied this online.

Expect complaints.

A/08/70699 Orrell Arcade The Galleries Wigan

To remove existing kiosk units and install glazed shop front window in Orrell Arcade elevation of former Boots the chemist store

Application Approved with Conditions - April 2008

Seems like five minutes ago when they first appeared.

This type of thing

Perhaps not quite as deep.

I think my grandad would have approved of the name given to the unfortunate chap found at Wilmsow,dostaf.There's a plaster replica at Martin Mere of the bog man,not my grandad.

these images are on a parr with most of the street <art> in Wigan-grotesque> and probably a waste of large amounts of money.It seems to me that all these pieces are ugly and therefore suggesting that Wigan must be an ugly place.
These contemporary pieces cannot hold a candle to the few remaining truly elegant stuctures left in Wigan-ie the War Memorial and the Tyldesely memorial.I would also include the Boer war soldier that used to stand in Mesnes park but the idiot council have apparently <mislaid >that one.

12:09.....seems more stable than a incident tent

Notreet!

I've just been singing your praises on Handbags too.

Anyroad, is 'The Face' due for the off anytime?

e before a in face

Don't you like it, Mache?

I reckon there's a fair bit of work gone into forming the individual pieces.

Not welded to NASA standards, but more than sufficient.

tought you ment pubert


I wonder if welding is done in orbit ?

And 2 before 1 in 21:09, Mache!

You know what 'tought' did.

Here's an idea:

Google 'orbital welding'

+=

DNE, Jo Anne.

(Do Not Encourage)

jo anne I saw them today. I must have walked through there hundreds of times over the years and never noticed them. Do you know what they represent?

No, MarieM, I've not been able to find out anything about them as yet.

I think, originally, the bronze(?) heads were there alone, then the tile design was added later - but I could be mistaken.