Monday, April 25, 2011

The Rusty Needle - "Candle" by Wolfgang Buttress

Wandering through Gloucester Docks this afternoon, we walked past a new piece of public art that wasn't there last summer. Rising high into the sky, the 22m tall "Candle" is known locally as "the Rusty Needle".

The Candle - known locally as the Rusty Needle - in Gloucester Docks - by Wolfgang Buttress

The sculptor? None other than Wolfgang Buttress who is behind Rise ("the Balls on the Falls") which is in the process of being installed on top of Belfast's Broadway roundabout.


The Candle with its embedded spire complements the existing city skyline which includes Gloucester Cathedral and the tall warehouses (now offices and apartments) in the Docks. The candle or flame is also meant to be a reminder of the many fires that have occurred over the years in the docks.

The Candle - known locally as the Rusty Needle - in Gloucester Docks - by Wolfgang Buttress
The Candle - known locally as the Rusty Needle - in Gloucester Docks - by Wolfgang Buttress
The Candle - known locally as the Rusty Needle - in Gloucester Docks - by Wolfgang Buttress

Around the base of the sculpture are the first few lines of Requiem by Ivor Gurney - a poet and composer who grew up in Gloucester.

The Candle - known locally as the Rusty Needle - in Gloucester Docks - by Wolfgang Buttress

The panorama function of my camera - or perhaps my use of it! - had problems keeping the image straight!

No comments: