The Centaur and Bull, created by internationally renowned artist Andy Scott, were installed on the two roundabouts at either end of the town of Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, in ANYONE KNOW THE YEAR? creating two intriguing pieces of art gateway as you enter and depart.
The much-publicised sculptures, which are made of galvanised, welded steel, were created by Andy Scott at his workshop in Glasgow. They were then transported to Telford, Shropshire, to be galvanised — dipped in molten zinc to protect them from the elements.
These are two wonderful pieces of work and I am delighted that they can be enjoyed by the residents and visitors to this historic town.
Both sculptures were commissioned to create a ‘point of arrival’ into the town as part of its continuing work to regenerate Uttoxeter at a cost of around £95,000, secured through developer contributions. Forming part of the second phase of the Uttoxeter Regeneration Programme, designed to raise the profile of the market town and attract people to the area. Andy’s work has always created interest and these striking pieces and continue to draw attention to the town.
[h3]The Centaur [/h3]
The centaur has been designed with the horse having a winged hoof to indicate speed and the hybrid man character will be clad in the distinctive silks and helmet of a jockey which is suggestive of the symbolic relationship of the horse and jockey. The equestrian theme fits well with the Uttoxeter racecourse in close proximity to the sculpture. This theme was used by Andy Scott at the Sydney Olympic complex in Australia.
[h3]The Bull [/h3]
The animal theme continues with the sculpture for the second roundabout of a bull which has associations to the agricultural links of the town, suggesting its pastoral setting. It is posed turning and twisting towards the other sculpture with its heavier bulk, which acts as a counterbalance to the equine form of the other sculpture.
