Big Art in St Helens
May 21st, 2009
Channel 4 are currently following the progress of some big art projects around the UK. The Dream in St Helens is a stunning addition to our landscape, even if not everybody sees it that way! The sculpture by artist Jaume Plensa, is situated on the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery in St Helens.
You can watch the series on Channel 4 – Sundays at 7pm. For now here are some of my own photos taken at the site. It is beautiful…
Is there any angle from which it doesn’t look like you’ve picked the wrong aspect ratio? It does funny things to my eyes
although I like it.
No, this is how it is in the flesh. It seems a bit squashed, but it is what makes the impact when you see it.
I live in St.Helens and i’ve been to see Dream… on several occasions and it is most spectacular. I am so proud of this piece of art, since St.Helens is not the prettiest of places to live in Great Britain. I love Dream… and I will always remember it as the must amazing piece of art I have seen, and for all the people who hate Dream… why don’t you appreciate that you have such a great peice of art in your local area!!!
Well put Georgia. It really is something to be proud about St Helens.
I saw the Channel 4 programme last night and was SO proud of the way St Helen’s folk showed their warmth and friendliness. I think the artist has done a great job and Dream is stunning.
i think the big head is amazing, and really shows what us st hellians are all about. although as a contempory artist myself, i believe that some beatifully bright colours would do it more justice and eradicate the dullness, perhaps even a muzzy or goatee beard would help draw in the crowds from a-far.
Not sure about the goatee beard. If you see it when the sun is low it does kind of glow.
ive just been to see this thing for the first time, now my eyes arent great being 62. but it wasnt until i was within 30 yards that i realised it wasnt actually i giant penis. now i dont know how much this cost the public, and im not going to look into coz i fear it may cause me shock, the old ticker wont be able to deal with in my late age. but what i will say, is what ever it cost, it was too much, it is a disgusting monstrosity, that highlights the complete lack of imagination and ambition that this area has an the people running the place have.
now i live is spain half the year, and cant wait to get back there. one thing is for sure i wont be telling anybody about the ‘giant penis’ that has been erected in st-helans and certainly wont be taking any pictures of it, to remind me of the state this place has become. st-helans council….. hang your heads in shame…imbeciles.
Sorry you feel that way frank. But it has just won an award for sculpture. Do they have ‘better’ art in Spain?
There was a programme on TV over the summer about how the choice of art was made. Maybe you missed it because it was inspiring to see that local people, (some ex-miners and others) and not those you are criticising were key in the choice of subject for this artwork.