In 2003 Artists Liz Lemon and Gwen Heeney began work in collaboration with two local businesses on two large-scale seating areas for the Ripley Greenway as part of the time'lines project.
The first bench to be installed along the Ripley Greenway is the impressive mystical Bear Bench at Dingley Dell. The artists took their inspiration for the bench from Mr. Marshall’s Zoo. The Bear Bench was carved in the Special’s Department at Hanson’s Waingrove’s Factory in Ripley, with generous support from the factory, which donated all of the materials, the space and their expertise during the creation and firing of the bench. The factory also donated materials for the artists to run brick clay-carving workshops at Ripley St. John’s School as well as on the Pit Top area of the Greenway. The impressive Bear Bench was finally installed at Dingley Dell in July 2005.
The second seating area on Pit Top is created from a special mix of pristine Spanish dolomite and shimmering recycled blue glass supplied by Evans Concrete. The double-sided seating area mirrors the shape of the four metre high arch. The striking arch sculpture, complete with its own seating area, was created by artists Liz Lemon and Gwen Heeney in partnership with Evans Concrete Products Ltd; a Ripley-based firm that manufactures bespoke pre-cast concrete.
The artists gained inspiration for the arch sculpture and seating by walking along the Ripley Greenway and talking to local people. Three local women - Kath Slater, Pauline Taylor and Sally McConnell - have had their names engraved on the seat in recognition of the support and friendship they offered to the artists during the project.
Garry McBride, Chairman of Evans Concrete Products said, “ As a company we work on a range of projects across the country but it gives me great pleasure to be involved in a project so close to home, that will benefit the local community. We have very much enjoyed working in partnership with artist’s Liz and Gwen, Amber Valley Borough Council and Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire and welcome any opportunity to work with them again in the future”.
Artist, Liz Lemon, who hopes the sculpture will create a landmark on the Greenway and a new meeting place for local people, is very grateful for the help and advice she has received from Evans Concrete.
Time’lines is designed to engage the public in arts activities and introduce high-quality public artworks along Ripley Greenway, the multi-user route that follows the path of the old Ripley Railway. A number of public art pieces have already been installed along the Greenway, with more pieces due to be installed.
The project is being coordinated by Amber Valley Borough Council and Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire. It is supported by Arts Council East Midlands, Amber Valley Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.
Ends
News release issued by the Council’s Policy and Change Unit (01773 841655)
