Pit Pony
Artist
David Salkeld
About
Sculpture in the shape of a pit pony made from a single sheet of weathering steel, also known as Corten.
Based on the concept of a pit pony released from its yoke and harness and 'put out to grass', the image of a horse is an icon reflecting the history of the village through the pre-industrial era and also looking forward to post-industrial/post mine working age.
There are also other connotations to the idea of a public image of a horse such as the numerous 'white horses' cut into hillsides around the country such as at Uffington (opens new window) or Kilburn (opens new window).
This was cut from a single sheet of weathering steel, also known as Corten, and shaped in a 160 ton brake press. Corten is an alloy of steel which is self-sealing, requiring little to no maintenance. Instead of corroding, the metal gradually builds up a tough and attractive patina when exposed to the elements.