Pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School are set to have their designs added to a future Cardiff landmark.
The historic Pierhead Clock mechanism is due to be installed into a piece of public art at the bottom of St Mary Street in November, as part of the work to make the street a pedestrian-friendly area.
In anticipation of this event, Cardiff Council is erecting a ‘mock clock’ on St Mary Street which will contain images of the Pierhead Clock mechanism charting its incredible journey from Cardiff Bay to America and back to Cardiff again.
Silversmith Marianne Forrest has created a piece of contemporary art to house the clock mechanism, around which will be a metallic question mark, providing information about the history of the clock and the docks area.
Marianne has been working with children from Mount Stuart Primary School, who have been researching buildings around Cardiff Bay. They will create two-dimensional designs from this research which Marianne will be etching into the final piece.
Cardiff Council Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Nigel Howells, said: “The story of the Pierhead clock mechanism is an amazing one and I am delighted that it is finally going to have a permanent home at the end of St Mary Street having been on such a long journey.
“I’m delighted that the children of Mount Stuart have been given the opportunity to have their work immortalised in this piece of public art and I am really looking forward to seeing their designs in the finished structure.”
Executive member for Traffic and Transportation, Councillor Lisa Ford, added: “The paving work on St Mary Street and High Street is transforming the city centre and this public art is going to add to that. Cardiff Council remains committed to creating a retail area and environment that will further enhance Cardiff’s reputation as one of the country’s top retail destinations.
Headteacher Peter Morris said: “It has been a privilege to work with Marianne to design artwork for the project. The project has enabled the children to reflect on the cultural heritage of Butetown and Cardiff Bay. They can’t wait to see their artistic interpretations etched into the Pierhead Clock design as a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
