Rotherwas Public Art

Begun in Spring 2004, this project was deeply involved with the community of South Wye and particularly the Rotherwas Estate area. The project brought together the past with the present through the visual medium of large artistic structures.

The area was used during the World Wars for the production of munitions. The munitions factory had to employ women to take on the work, due to the obvious lack of manpower at the time. These artworks are designed to celebrate the work of that mainly female workforce.

This history has inspired two aspects for the artworks. Firstly, the works focused on three women who have been inspirational in Herefordian, and particularly South Wye, industry. These span three generations since the World Wars.

Secondly, the names of local members of the public were requested, so that they could be permanently engraved onto the artworks, in memory of those who served their country during the Wars; these names are of both men and women.

A third artistic measure can be found on the reverse and sides of each sculpture. An emblematic recreation of art from local churches is the focus for the back and sides. This enhances the local creative distinctiveness of the area.

A consultation process with local residents took place over many months to decide upon the faces of inspirational local women. The four artworks that make up Rotherwas Women are sited along the Straight Mile road through Rotherwas Industrial Estate.

Along with the community consultation, the project organised workshops, some of which were based around the gleaning of local historical knowledge, by the artist Bruce Williams. Bruce was also a mentor for Hereford artist Jenny Pickford throughout the project.

The artworks were erected along the Straight Mile during the first half of 2005.

Mel Bateman
Principal Arts Officer
Cultural Services (Project Manager)
Tel: (01432) 261818
Email: mbateman@herefordshire.gov.uk

Bruce Williams
Lead Artist
Tel: (01273) 542434
Email: bruce@firenet.ws