Stalybridge Saturday: Canal Sculpture

In the heart of Stalybridge is Armentieres Square, named after the French town that is twinned with Stalybridge. In the centre of the square is the canal lock that was constructed as part of the restoration of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

On the south side of the square is this sculpture, which is a representation of a pair of canal lock gates with their balance beams. It is actually a giant sundial! The shadow of the beam nearest the camera falls onto the stone blocks arranged in a curve to show the time.

It was created by artist Alan Dawes and erected in July 2008. A time capsule was buried close by. A video of the sculpture's opening can be seen here. A soundscape was developed to be performed at the opening. It can be heard here.

See Google Aerial View of this location.
See Birds Eye View of this location. Please note that these aerial images were taken before the sculpture was put in place.