“I haven’t a clue what it’s all about.” said the rather large lady pontificating loudly to her husband “It does nowt for me and it’s just a waste of money!” These were hardly the words I wanted to overhear on my way to view the North West’s latest major piece of public art.

I was at the site of the former Sutton Colliery in St. Helens to see Jaume Plensa’s latest big public art installation, “Dream”.

The very words “public art” fill some people with foreboding. Perhaps they consider art to be a mere leisure pursuit and not to be funded by them, the taxpayer. Maybe they consider that art is “not for them” and it should remain relatively unseen behind gallery walls. Fortunately for us, art is now seen by planners as a vital tool to be used in the regeneration of our towns and cities.

Consider the many thousands that travel to Newcastle to stare at Antony Gormley’s “Angel of the North.” Some just travel there, have a bit of a nosey and then drift back to their respective homes. Many more however make a weekend out of it, spending their money in the region’s restaurants, bars, hotels and shopping centres. They’re bringing extra income to areas that sometimes feel that the 21st century has passed them by.

Public art and regeneration have become inextricably linked. In 2005 channel 4’s “Big Art Project” asked people to get involved and nominate a potential site for a unique work of public art. The selection was based upon numerous criteria including the works’ aesthetic and educational potential, the enthusiasm and flexibility of the nominating community, and existing planning and political support.

Sutton Manor colliery in St. Helens was chosen because of the passion and enthusiasm shown by the people who nominated it, the ex-miners. The regenerative impact upon a community that may perceive itself in the shadows of its more illustrious neighbours, Liverpool and Manchester, must have been a major factor.

World renowned Catalan artist Jaume Plensa was commissioned to undertake the work. Jaume has won awards around the world for his public art installations. Whilst in the UK, his most renowned public artworks include a laser light sculpture at the Baltic Arts Centre in Gateshead and “Breathing”, the spectacular illuminated glass dome of BBC Broadcasting House.

Before commencing his project, Jaume spoke with the ex-miners and members of the wider community who said that they wanted a piece that looked to a brighter future. They wanted something that would create a contemplative space for future generations. He responded by producing “Dream”.

Sutton Manor colliery is easily reached via junction 7 from the busy M62 and is clearly signposted all the way to the site. As I parked outside the gates to the colliery, I couldn’t help but think that it was a most undistinguished location for a major piece of artwork. The pub car park that I used looked like a relic from the 1950’s and my stroll toward the artwork could hardly have been more uninspiring. But as I caught sight of the piece for the first time, her eyes just peeping over the top of the trees, I was amazed and intrigued in equal measures. Once I’d rounded the final corner and her face had come fully into view, I was captivated.

At more than 20 metres high, “Dream” is in the form of a girl’s head with her eyes closed, most likely in repose and hopefully dreaming of a brighter future. She is made from pre-cast concrete, with a brilliant white finish formed from using a Spanish dolomite aggregate, the whitest marble there is.  The brilliance of the concrete/marble mix is in stark contrast to the black of the coal that still remains below the ground.

“Dream” is sited atop a high point of the old colliery and is surrounded by woodland. The tops of the trees are just not quite tall enough to block our sleeping beauty’s view of her surroundings. That is if she ever, one day, opens her eyes and emerges from her slumber.

As you walk around her, examining her in minute detail, she becomes ever more fascinating. Young and old visitors alike were moved by her. Most were positive and, like me, had fallen under her spell. Some were bemused by her, asking their partners “What’s it all about?” One little boy was frankly terrified and began to cry uncontrollably until he was picked up and comforted by dad.

Good art creates discussion and this piece does that by the bucket load. Positive or negative but never ambivalent, “Dream” provokes and challenges the viewer to think. The piece had even worked with the lady who I’d overheard earlier. Whether she knew it or not, art had made her think.

Sutton Manor Colliery Site, Sutton Woodland, Jubits Lane, St. Helens, Merseyside WA9 4BB www.merseytravel.gov.uk

ROB HORSEFIELD

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