By Art installation approved by council
Plans to contstruct a public art installation in St James Square have been approved by North East Lincolnshire Council.
The artwork, which is set to be constructed on the wall elevation of the Wilkinson’s store, is part of a wider programme of regeneration taking place across the town.
The project is part of the overall refurbishment of St James Square, which was completed earlier this Summer.
According to the planning application, the artwork, designed by local woman Annabel McCourt, will consist of silhouette shapes in the form of people and animals.
“The shapes will be used a number of times to create the murmuration on the wall,” it continues.
“These will be made from copper and will be allowed to anodise over the years. They will be individually fixed to a frame that will be secured to the wall.
“Structural inspection of the wall and loading calculations will be considered when the design is finalised. The murmuration represents a story, the story being:
“The ‘Human Murmuration’ sculpture is inspired by ‘Fortune Fish’. Just as a fish-shaped piece of cellulose contorts on the palm of your hand, offering an insight into your future, the humans of Grimsby will form a murmuration, a flock, individual yet moving as one. Each person is a flock member with an individual story to tell. Each silhouette in the murmuration is a Grimsby resident that has participated in the project. Recorded, digitised, fabricated and immortalised. From an individual with a history and a story, to a diverse community, journeying into the future, together.”
Each figure is being constructed using photographs of local people which were taken by the artist last year.
The response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive.
One said: “This is an intelligent piece of public art that has been inclusive from the start. It has been a joy to observe it unfolding overtime, watching the process, engaging with the artist and seeing the delight people have had in being involved.
“The installation will greatly enhance the square and will be a lasting tribute to everyone who took part and will be a talking point for years to come.”
The planning application has now been approved in full, having been jointly commisioned by Engie and NELC.
