In this article we are going to explore the public art and sculpures that are dotted around the city; that we forget about on a daily basis!
Have you noticed any of the following?
(Image: MARK AC PHOTOS/CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Leviathan Sculpture
Overlooking the spot where the Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower stands Devon's answer to the Colossus of Rhodes
Also known as the Barbican Prawn, this metal sculpture is in fact an amalgamation of local marine life from the past and present. Its head is that of an angler fish attached to an upper body consisting of a lobster’s carapace (shell) with accompanying claws and the lower body and towering.
It was designed by metalworker Brian Fell, from Glossop in Derbyshire, and ended up being part-funded by the Arts Council. The quango was keen to see the city install public art which touched on various fish and marine life. So Mr Fell’s 33-foot invention, which was unveiled in 1996, seemingly amalgamated as many kind of sea creatures as it could, as part of an effort to represent the variety fish and shell fish landed on the Barbican.
(Image: robertlenkiewicz.com)
Robert Lenkiewicz's Barbican Mural
The Barbican MuraI.
This is Robert's most well-known mural, but sadly, is now considerably faded and possibly beyond repair.
The early photograph shows the huge scale of the mural - at least twice life-size!
(Image: Google Street View)
Completed around 1971-1972, the wall area of the mural covers approximately 3,000 square feet and the painting has an Elizabethan theme
The whole composition is losely based on the hebrew letter 'aleph' (right), which according to the cabala, implies unity as man in relation to the cosmos.
The theme concerns itself with metaphysical ideas that were current in England during the period 1580-1620.
These ideas cover the following activities: Philosophy, Alchemy, Cabala, Ceremonial Magic, the symbolical aspects of poetry, music and art, the cult of melancholy, chivalry, and similar allegorical trends.
(Image: Google Earth)
The Peace Dove - Outland Road.
The 10ft (3m) stainless steel sculpture was unveiled on the Hoe in 2007 as part of its Britain in Bloom campaign. The entry was chosen to celebrate the centenary of the Scout Association, which has the dove as its symbol.
The dove now stands proudly with its wings outstretched on Outland Road.
Do you know a piece of forgotten art around Plymouth?
Please let us know at studio@omniumradio.online
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