Rowley Regis
Telling Tales: Landmark
A series of permanent sculptures created by local public artists, Planet Art, that celebrate Rowley Regis’ heritage have been installed on Rowley Hill offering fantastic views of the Black Country. ‘Tales of Rowley’ was the overwhelming public choice from five designs that were up for the public vote at a special two-day community event at Haden Hill House earlier this year – over 250 residents came along and voted.
Located on Rowley Hill, just off East Avenue, the sculptures are made from Rowley Rag, cast iron and bronze and feature scenes of mining, nail making, quarrying and chain making.
To develop ideas for designs, Multistory and Planet Art worked with local Sandwell councillors, Rowley Regis officers in the Council’s Towns & Neighbourhoods Unit, the Council’s Parks and Countryside Services, young people from Corngreaves Primary, St Michael’s C of E High, Tividale Community Arts College, plus faith groups, including Oakham Church and over 60s’ groups and Rowley’s Art in Mind.
Julie Edwards and Ron Thompson of Planet Art said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the community of Rowley. We have met some wonderful folk who have really helped shape the sculpture and we worked with Edwin Richards Quarry who donated the stone”.
Cllr Barbara Price, Rowley Regis Town Committee chair, said: “This project has created a landmark for the town and brought many different people together working towards a shared goal.”
For more information on the project contact Multistory on 0121 525 6861 or email catherinetarbuck@multistory.org.uk
Telling Tales: Landmark has been developed by Multistory, a community arts organisation that engages communities, organisations and artists in Sandwell, the Black Country, the region and nationally through creative approaches to learning, health and regeneration. The project is funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and was commissioned by Sandwell Council’s Town Teams Division.
