Mining statue unveiled in Redruth

The initial idea for the art work came from the people of Redruth themselves who suggested that there should be a sculpture to celebrate the industrial history of the area and the way in which mining has shaped the Redruth of today. The Redruth Mining Art Group includes local people with an interest in heritage and public art as well as members from Kerrier District Council and Redruth Town Council and it is working closely with CPR Regeneration with the help of significant funding from English Partnerships.

ACT's links with the town and our remit for the arts made us a natural choice for project manager.  The overall aim was to create a landmark work of art that would be a significant new feature for the community and would celebrate the mining heritage of the town, creating a greater understanding of the relationship between the modern Redruth and its remarkable industrial past.

The sculpture was designed by David Annand, from Scotland, who was commissioned after a national open competition and a public exhibition of proposals from the shortlisted finalists.  It's intended to create a powerful and iconic image to reflect the glory days of mining in Redruth and has been widely welcomed by local residents who have nicknamed him Jack Curnow. 

The statue has joined other works of art in the town which have been commissioned as part of the public realm improvements to Redruth's historic centre, including bronze dogs fashioned from old miners' boots by David Kemp and sculptures by Reece Ingram.  The town won a top regeneration award from the British Council of Shopping Centres in 2007 as a result of all the work that's been done.