A powerful statue, a symbol of a region's history, is being overlooked and neglected, say those who fought to bring it to life. This is the story of Dream, a remarkable artwork that deserves to be celebrated, but instead, it's being treated as an afterthought.
Dream, a captivating sculpture of a young girl's head overlooking the M62, stands on the former grounds of Sutton Manor colliery. It was meant to be Merseyside's iconic landmark, akin to the renowned Angel of the North in Gateshead. However, the ex-miners who played a pivotal role in its creation feel that Dream is being 'hidden away' and ignored.
Gary Conley, who worked at the colliery for almost two decades, expresses his frustration over the lack of respect shown towards Dream. He believes St Helens should embrace and promote this artwork, as it represents the rich mining heritage of the region. Conley, along with other former miners, helped artist Jaume Plensa bring Dream to life in 2009, but now, he feels the sculpture and its legacy are being buried.
"We're hiding it. It's like we're ashamed of it sometimes. We should be proud and showcase it, not try to conceal its value," Conley says.
One of the main issues, according to Conley, is the loss of visibility from the motorway. Forestry England, responsible for the surrounding woodland, has promised to create new viewpoints during woodland management activities. But is that enough?
Jim Housely, from the Northwest Miners Heritage Association, shares his personal connection to the sculpture and the mining legacy. His grandfather and father worked in the pit, and he believes preserving and promoting Dream is crucial. "It's fantastic, but it needs care and attention. We need basic amenities like a cafe and parking. It's a beautiful spot for visitors, but it could be so much more," he adds.
Another ex-miner, Jeff Bannister, echoes these sentiments. He feels the mining industry, which once thrived in St Helens, is being erased from history. "My father and grandfather worked here. It's a part of our identity, and we deserve recognition for the contribution made by miners over the years," he says.
During its peak in the 1960s, Sutton Manor colliery saw 1,500 miners pass through its gates daily, producing an impressive 600,000 tonnes of coal. Today, the colliery is silent, but Dream stands as a reminder of that vibrant past. The sound of miners' boots has been replaced by the footsteps of visitors, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
St Helens Council, the owner of Dream, expresses its pride in being the birthplace of this artwork. They claim Dream is a prominent feature in their promotional campaigns. However, the ex-miners feel that the potential of Dream as a tourist attraction and a symbol of St Helens is not being fully realized.
Laurie Peake, an expert in public art, agrees. She believes authorities are missing an opportunity to use public art as a powerful marketing tool. "Public art can be a gateway to a region, a flag that says, 'We're here, and we embrace creativity and imagination.' Dream should be that gateway to St Helens," she says.
So, why is Dream being overlooked? Is it a missed opportunity, or a deliberate choice? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion about the importance of preserving our history and utilizing public art to its full potential.
