Famous Chesterfield Horns Bridge roundabout sculpture approaching 10th anniversary

A striking structure in Chesterfield is due to celebrate a decade in August.

The 8 metre tall sculpture at Horns Bridge roundabout in Chesterfield was first installed in August 2014.

The creation is a design collaboration between local artist Melanie Jackson, Ryder Landscape Consultants and NT Killingley who won a competition to design a gateway sculpture for Chesterfield.

The sculpture was manufactured by Chris Brammall Ltd.

It is part of Gateway Enhancement Scheme aimed at improving key junctions at entrances to town centres, to welcome visitors and promote the town through creative displays of sculptures, art installations and signage.

The sculpture’s funding came from Barratt Homes and European Regional Development Fund.

Titled ‘Growth’ the metal sculpture is based on the busy Horns Bridge Island at one of the major gateways into the town.

Meaning behind metal flower sculpture at Horns Bridge roundabout

The design was to celebrate Chesterfield’s industrial heritage whilst embracing the market town’s development.

The metal structure that is 8 metres wide is shaped like a wheel that appears to flower.

Twisted spokes rise from the centre giving the impression of a flower opening.

It is thought to represent the town’s potential to grow and flourish.

It is made from weathering steel which is a specially treated steel that has been chemically formulated to develop a rust-like patina, therefore eliminating the necessity for paint.

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Melanie explains more about the design on her website, saying a fruit was part of the inspiration behind the Horns Bridge sculpture.

The website says: ‘The design of the flower is influenced by the flower of the pomegranate tree, which features on the town's coat of arms.

‘The eight petals relate to the eight twisting facets of the town's famous spire and also represent the eight community areas that make up Chesterfield.

‘Eight sculptural dry stone walls radiate out from the roots of the artwork, blending the sculpture with its setting.

‘The inside of the opening flower petals have a satin polished, stainless steel finish, contrasting with the outer weathering steel, bringing brightness and life to the inside of the opening artwork.

‘In the centre, a cluster of polished stainless steel anther (pollen) reach upwards.

‘Lighting beneath and within the structure will give a different, night time effect of the sculpture.’