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Borough sporting legends to be celebrated
The Council is to honour 4 of the borough's sporting icons with the installation of spectacular larger-than-life sculptures.
England World Cup winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey, his captain and West Ham United legend Bobby Moore, England rugby world cup winner Jason Leonard, and celebrated Paralympian Beverley Gull will be commemorated when the specially commissioned artwork is unveiled later this year.
(Left to right:) Sir Alf Ramsey, Bobby Moore, Jason Leonard and Beverley Gull
The project is part of Barking and Dagenham Council's on-going commitment to instill pride in the borough through the introduction of high quality public spaces, art and landmarks, whilst simultaneously recognising the fantastic achievements of its sporting heroes.
Councillor Bob Little, Executive Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, said:
"As a borough we ought to pride ourselves that so many great sports people knew Barking and Dagenham as home.
"The list is by no means exhaustive, as many high achievers have come from the borough. But in terms of global achievement, we feel these 4 deserve landmark recognition in the area.
"We hope that the sculptures serve as a source of constant inspiration to members of our community, and that the character of our borough is enhanced by their presence."
The figures will be situated on grassland at the junction of the A13 with Gale Street, on Castle Green, opposite Barking Rugby Club. They will appear as dramatic steel silhouettes, measuring 4 metres in height and 2 metres in width, with a depth of 30cm. They will also be mounted onto a steel column, ensuring they tower above spectators and dramatically stand out against the skyline along the A13.
Barking and Dagenham Council is raising the profile of the borough through a series of public realm improvements and art installations which have already received the approval of critics.
The works include the Lighted Lady at the Northern Relief Road roundabout, the Catch in Longbridge Road and the Secret Garden in Barking Town Square. The Council's arts and cultural developments have been featured in several international publications as a result, and recently at an international conference at London's South Bank, which promoted creativity in public spaces.
Thursday 10 January 2008.
