Artwork recognised at top awards event

The work, created by artists, musson+retallick, has been recognised with a Pro-Tem Civic Trust Award, which acknowledges excellence in temporary structures.

Entitled ‘Light Lines,’ the work was on display outside Barnsley Town Hall from July until Remembrance Sunday last year. It depicted images of local men who fell in battle and incorporated artwork created by ten local schools.

It is one of 53 winners in the 2017 Civic Trust Awards, but the only one from Yorkshire. At the awards ceremony, this Friday, it will be up against the Serpentine Pavilion 2016, a temporary sculpture which was outside the Serpentine Gallery in London, for the Pro Tem Special Award.

The Civic Trust Awards is an independent scheme established in 1959 to recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment. Its objective is to honour projects that have made a positive contribution to the local communities they serve.

The creation of Light Lines was supported by Barnsley Museums and funded by grants from Art Council England, the Ward Alliances and Historic England.

Kevin Wallace, Barnsley Council’s arts and events officer, said: “This was a poignant piece of artwork, but what made it all the more special was the involvement of local schoolchildren and local families who lost loved ones in the Somme. It is a real tribute to them. We are proud that Barnsley has been recognised in this way, particularly when you look at the calibre of work nominated at the awards. Light Lines has really put the spotlight on Barnsley.”