Merthyr Tydfil has launched a search for three local icons to be immortalised in steel in a piece of public art. The Portrait Bench is a new art initiative from sustainable transport charity – Sustrans – which will soon be appearing all over the UK on newly created routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
This new wooden bench will be accompanied by three life-size figures cut from a weathering Cor-Ten steel so that over time the bench becomes a part of the natural landscape. In Merthyr, the bench will be placed near the new Trevithick bridge along the newly created traffic-free route which runs from the residential areas of Pentrebach and beyond to local supermarkets and workplaces as well as to the centre of Merthyr Tydfil. It also links in to the Taff trail. Each bench will be individual to each community with nearly 80 installed across the UK by 2013.
So who represents the real Merthyr Tydfil?
Is it Saint Tydfil – killed by pagans in 480 AD or famous boxer Eddie Thomas? Could it be famous engineer Richard Trevithick who invented the first ever steam locomotive or local born designer – Laura Ashley. Is it Ian Watkins – lead singer of international rock band The Lost Prophets or could there be a local hero who is a part of Merthyr today that could be celebrated alongside famous names from history.
Rachel Lister, Project Officer, Sustrans Cymru, said:“We hope people get creative and have some fun with this. Merthyr’s bench should be personal to Merthyr and represent how people feel about their town. Weary walkers and cyclists will be able to take a breather at the bench with some local legends.”
Ideas for the three local icons can be emailed to [email protected]. or submitted at the Reception Area of the Civic Centre, Merthyr Tydfil.
The winning three characters will be chosen by the steering group supporting the route and the bench will be installed later this year.
Councillor Derek Games, J.P, Heritage Champion, said:“As Chairman of the steering group and Heritage Champion, I am very excited to be involved with the Portrait bench and we as a group are looking forward to people’s suggestions and ideas.”
Sustrans is one of the largest commissioners of public art in the UK with over 2000 original artworks along the 12,000 miles of National Cycle Network. The new walking and cycling route that will be home to Merthyr’s Portrait Bench has been funded by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and also by Sustrans. It is also one of the new routes being developed as part of the Valleys Cycle Network and will receive additional funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.
Further information about Sustrans, including other news releases and detailed online route mapping, is available through their website: www.sustrans.org.uk
