Where The Wild Things Were – Salford, UK
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 28.253 W 002° 17.836
30U E 546646 N 5924885
This sculpture is one of many that form part of the 33 mile Irwell Sculpture Trail and reflects the history of this area.
Waymark Code: WMGQD4
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/31/2013
Views: 3
The River Irwell is approximately 39 miles long stretching from Deerplay Moor just north of Bacup in the Pennine Hills to Irlam to the south of Manchester. During the industrial revolution many mills and factories were built along the river’s route and it became very polluted with hardly any life left in it.
After the 1970’s when industry had declined various schemes were implemented to clean up the River and life has returned to it. In 1995 it was decided to develop a 33 mile
sculpture trail along the river as part of a multi – million pound redevelopment scheme. It stretches from Bacup in the North to Salford Quays near Manchester.
At Salford Quays the Irwell had been canalised as part of the Manchester Ship Canal construction and had been part of the UK’s 3rd largest port. This area is also a regeneration area that has transformed itself from an industrial site to an area of housing, leisure and offices.
As part of the regeneration of the area a modern art gallery and theatre called the Lowry Centre was opened in 2000. In 2010 a project was set up to celebrate the Lowry’s 10th anniversary and with the support of The Heritage Lottery Fund 5 sculptures were installed around Salford Quays with a group title of
Unlocking Salford Quays.
This piece entitled Where the Wild Things Were is situated at the rear of the Lowry Theatre overlooking the quays. “Made in 2010 with children from Primrose Hill Primary School, Langworthy Road Primary School and Seedley Primary School.
This sculpture celebrates the impact of the Manchester Ship Canal, a man-made waterway connecting Salford to the sea, and the rest of the world. The Canal was officially opened by Queen Victoria in 1894.
The giant blades of elephant grass suggest places beyond the Canal, where ships sailed to and from. Each steel base is engraved with drawings by local children, who imagined the landscape and wildlife of far-off lands. Their sense of wonder mirrors that of Salfordians who witnessed bananas, citrus fruit, cotton and tea arrive here from distant shores for the first time.
”.
The artists who worked with the children on this piece are called Unusual. “ an artists’ collective based in Manchester. Unusual make playful, imaginative and interactive artworks that respond to people and their environments. You can see more of their work across the city of Manchester”.