Sculptor chosen for biggest ever public art in city

Designer Alex Chinneck has been visiting Sheffield schools asking children for ideas for a sculpture on the former Tinsley Cooling towers

Alex Chinneck, whose previous projects have attracted more than one million visitors and global media attention, will design the Tinsley Art project.

The project will be inspired by the area’s rich energy history, including the former cooling towers which were demolished in 2008.

A design is set to be unveiled early next year and Alex has been meeting local businesses and school children as part of his research. The project is set to be completed by Summer 2018.

Alex said: “I am honoured to be given this opportunity and look forward to developing a unique response to this interesting and important location. We are committed to delivering a project for Tinsley that positively contributes to the region’s future while resonating with its industrial past.”

Funded by energy company, E.ON, the project aims to create an artwork that is integral to the regeneration of the area that was once at the heart of Sheffield’s heavy industry.

Alex added: “My studio recognises and welcomes our responsibility to create an ambitious and accessible public artwork for Sheffield and we look forward to connecting with local businesses, communities and cultures to better understand what that might be.”

The artist will be hosting a free public talk in the Diamond building, part of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield, at 6.30pm tomorrow, June 9.