| Towards the end of October 2002
astonishing things began to happen along Churchside, Howden. It was the start of the transformation of an area of mud, cinders and broken railings into light, colour and movement. John Maine R.A, a sculptor with an international reputation, was commissioned by Howden Town Forum, working closely with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, to transform the area. John spent a great deal of time in Howden looking and thinking, and eventually creating the seven sculptures now along Churchside and the one in front of the west door of Howden Minster. |
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The whole scheme is based on the four Elements: Earth - the Churchyard; Water as you walk into the west door; Air as you walk through to the town centre; and Fire, yet to be created, as a pillar at the East end of the Minster. |
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| The granite for the Water sculpture comes from the Himalayas. |
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The Air sculptures progressively increase and decrease along Churchside from west to east. The sculptures stand on York stone plinths but are themselves made from granite from different parts of the world. Starting at the west end with the smallest sculpture the granite comes from Scotland. |
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| Moving east we have granite from India and Russia. The pavement or roadway is constructed from setts made of granite from China and Ireland It gives and reflects light in different colours. |
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Sculptures four and five are Scandinavian granite and the two in the garden are Brazilian granite. |
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| The money for the scheme has come from the National Arts Lottery Fund, Enventure Northern, Howden Town Council, Howden Rotary Club, Howden Civic Society and others. Yorkshire Arts, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Halls Engineering Firm and Howden Town Forum’s savings and determination have all helped to make this scheme possible. |
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Something that is unique and of great value has now become part of our heritage! |
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