Fisher of Dreams appears on Naburn Bridge
Posted on 23 July 2001
The old Naburn swing bridge over the river Ouse once carried the 'Flying Scotsman' on its way north. Now the bridge carries route 65 of the National Cycle network and is owned by Sustrans.
'The Friends of Naburn Bridge' successfully applied to the City of York's 'Creative Communities 2000' scheme to fund the sculpture. The 'Friends' include the three men responsible for the Millennium Award-winning 'Cycle the Solar System' model of the solar system along the same York to Selby cycle track. The three - Peter Thompson, David Coulthard and Willie Hoedeman - all work at the University of York and help to run a science club at Knavesmire Primary School.
The sculpture, by artist Pete Rogers, has been designed with much community involvement. An open day on the bridge earlier this year led to over 100 models, sketches and suggestions from members of the public. Pete Rogers derived from them three possible sculpture themes which were then voted on. Models of the themes were displayed in local schools, Naburn post office, Bishopthorpe library, Tescos in Dringhouses and on the bridge itself.
"York and its surrounding villages are a cycling heaven," said Peter Thompson. "The sculpture on Naburn Bridge - between Jupiter and Saturn on our solar system model - will be yet another point of interest for the regulars on the York to Selby cycle path."
The sculpture will be installed on Thursday 2 August. Members of the press and the public are welcome to attend at 10 am when it will be hoisted into position.
Notes to editors:
- Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend the launch.
- Visit the Naburn Bridge website at www.solar.york.ac.uk/Naburn_Bridge/naburn_bridge.html
- Pete Rogers has had an extensive career in shipbuilding and engineering as a skilled metalworker, naval architect and structural designer. In 1996-7 he attended Camberwell College of Arts as an Associate student studying silver/metal design. He is currently developing a career in the art world which involves a combination of part time teaching, developing his own work and undertaking public art commissions. He is also a co-director of Xceptional Designs - www.xdes.co.uk