A unique art display, first unveiled last September to celebrate Harrogate’s spa heritage, is once again proving a popular attraction within the town’s Valley Gardens.
The steel roundel, commissioned by Harrogate Borough Council and delivered by Harrogate International Festivals, was unveiled ahead of the arrival of last year’s UCI World Cycling Championships.
The sculpture was made by Eddie Roberts from Cult-Ore and brought to life by Yorkshire lighting expert James Bawn from Element 3 Design. It originally formed part of spectacular three-night, 3D art installation which saw 36 wells within the town centre park – together with Harlow Hill Water Tower – lit with light shafts.
Whilst over 100 wells are set within Harrogate, Bogs Field in the Valley Gardens is the source of 36 unique mineral springs. A natural wonder of the world, where a greater number of unique mineral springs come to the surface than at any other known place on earth. The waters are Magmatic or Plutonic in origin, and never existed as rain, flowing deep beneath the earth for 20,000 years before surfacing through vertical shafts in the strata.
Called Harrogate 1571, the sculptural work was the culmination of a programme of cultural events to celebrate the hosting of the cycling event, and to celebrate Harrogate’s history, built on the water of these unique spas. Now the sculpture is acting as a beacon of hope, continuing to shine a light on Harrogate’s spa and cultural heritage.
More info: harrogateinternationalfestivals.com