Walsall Wood mining monument takes shape
Date Published : 18 January 2010
A proud coal mining heritage has been celebrated thanks to a Walsall Council project.
Construction experts worked flat out over the weekend to build the 55-foot high replica Pit Head in Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood.
The unique construction made by Black Country artist Luke Perry is believed to be the largest mining memorial anywhere in the world.
Councillor Mike Flower, chair of the Walsall Wood regeneration steering committee, said: “This is a magnificent project that is really capturing the imagination here in Walsall Wood I’m very pleased to say.
“Mining played such an important role here for centuries and former miners and their descendants still live here. There’s a real enthusiasm to celebrate that heritage.
“Walsall Wood is also a very forward looking and open place and we want this to be reflected in the scheme.
"It's a really proud moment seeing this go up. This safeguards and captures the area's heritage through the artwork for future generations."
Standing 55-foot high the Pit Head is a replica of winding gear from the Walsall Wood colliery that stood close to the site.
Thousands of current residents had ancestors working in the pit which operated from the late 19th century to the 1960s.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is just such an incredible achievement.
"We spent a great deal of time talking to the people of Walsall Wood to see what they would like.
"Pride in mining heritage came back loud and clear and we understand from the artist that this is the largest memorial to mining in the world.
"Why do something like this? This is about putting Walsall Wood on the map and being a catalyst for regeneration in the area.
"Again, this shows how we are working hard to improve district centres."
The Pit Head is part of a £40,000 Walsall Council public art scheme which will also see sculptures of a miner as well as life size figures.
The scheme is part of a wider regeneration project to upgrade Walsall Wood.
Artist Luke Perry of Industrial Heritage Stronghold joined Walsall Council's creative development team to spend more than six months working with residents and traders to develop the plans.
The proposals are designed to reflect Walsall Wood’s proud industrial heritage which includes the Essington and Wyrley canal, the working people of the town and the Walsall Wood coal mine.
Five pieces are to be produced in total, with the pit head planned for land at the rear of Oak Park leisure centre, off Lichfield Road.
At Brooklands Road, a plaque will be laid at the village green with brass figures of real Walsall Wood people to be positioned.
A fisherman sculpture is set to be created for the canal with the figure of a miner set to be produced for Walsall Wood High Street.
The sculptures come after Walsall Council successfully completed the acclaimed Brownhills Miner statue in Chester Road.
Residents again played a key role in the development of the project which celebrated the coal industry in the town.