Beacon of Hope (Thanksgiving statue) - Belfast
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SMacB
N 54° 35.970 W 005° 55.285
30U E 311291 N 6054149
Beacon of Hope Statue (or Thanksgiving Statue) is a public art metal sculpture by Andy Scott, 19.5 metres high constructed in 2007 in Thanksgiving Square, Belfast.
Waymark Code: WMV1YR
Location: Ulster, Ireland
Date Posted: 02/10/2017
Views: 7
"Located in 'Thanksgiving Square', the impressive statue is a contemporary-style female figure made from steel tubes and bronzed-cast globe, combining some of the key architectural elements from the original 'Thanksgiving Square' in Dallas, Texas.
Originating from the dream of a local Belfast lady, Myrtle Smyth- who saw the need for a 'figurehead' in the city, the concept formed the basis for designs and fabrication by Scott Sculptures in Glasgow and casting by Beltane Foundry in Peebles.
Strong similarities are evident in the form of the mythological figures of Helios ('The Bringer of Light'), myth of St.Brigid and classical and Celtic mythology, with the globe representing continents and oceans and points on the sculpture specifically representing Belfast's industrial heritage- in fitting with the construction of the sculpture, by PF Copeland, in Newtownabbey.
Whilst it is easy to become impressed by the sheer magnitude and aesthetic appeal of the sculpture, Artist, Andy Scott who designed the iconic statue, has highlighted his hope that the true value in terms of civic pride, should not go unnoticed by the people of Northern Ireland-
'I hope that the figure is adopted by the people of Belfast as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, and as a shining beacon of modernity and progress'. "
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