Hebden Bridge News

Mytholmroyd Community Celebrates New Town Square Sculpture

Over 200 locals came together on Sunday to celebrate the unveiling of a new sculpture in St Michael’s Square, Mytholmroyd. The Bishop of Wakefield, Rt. Rev. Stephen Platten, led the event to mark the opening of the ‘spiritual heart’ for the town.

Multi-award winning sculptor and elected member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, Nicolas Moreton’s ‘Eye and the Needle’ is intended as a modern market cross, where people can meet together for socialising, trade or performance.

The sculpture consists of a 4 metre high steel spire, surrounded at its base by a horizontal Celtic cross formed from granite.

Nicolas says “The spire reflects the one at the top of St Michael’s church tower, and represents elements of the local weaving industry, being the shape of a bobbin cone, and with a shiny needle tip. The granite cross element is intended to be used by local people for a range of social events.”

“I am privileged to have been chosen by the community of Mytholmroyd to undertake this project, and delighted with the response it has received”

Rt. Rev. Stephen Platten spoke of the importance of the traditional village cross as the focus of community, and for giving villages and towns a sense of place.

“The granite and steel of Nicolas’ work reflects the engagement of the Church and community, and the four words ‘Together, Weave, Glory and Character’ set upon it were chosen by the community. This sculpture brings Mytholmroyd together in all its variety and points to a rich future.”

Lines from Ted Hughes’ poem have also been incorporated into the sculpture and local artist and friend of the late Ted Hughes, Donald Crossley, read the poem from which the lines were taken. St Michael’s choir also sung a hymn specially composed for the occasion.

The sculpture will be lit from within during hours of darkness, with ribbons of light shining through slots cut into the spire structure, representing the nearby river Calder.

The majority of the funding for the £25,000 project has come from Yorkshire Forward, under its Renaissance Market Towns programme, with a contribution from Calderdale Council.

Calderdale Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and the Environment, Councillor Amanda Byrne said:

“I was delighted to see the community come together in celebration of this sculpture, which provides a great centrepiece for Mytholmroyd. It brings real character to the square and will be there for all to enjoy for years to come.

“The Council is grateful for the support of Yorkshire Forward, and to our community partners, Royd Regeneration and St Michael’s Church, for their valued contributions to the project.”