Local groups have been given a first glimpse of a new statue honouring Burntwood’s mining past.
The new 7ft bronze miner and pony sculpture – known as SCAMP – will eventually appear at Sankeys Corner in early 2013.
But representatives from Burntwood Heritage Group, Burntwood Town Council and Lichfield District Council visited Burntwood-born creator Peter Walker to look at an early version.
The clay design will now be sent off to the foundry for casting into bronze – a process which will take between three and five months.
Ron Bradbury, chairman of the committee behind the project, said: “I was filled with pride that the result of years of fundraising and harassing anyone who would listen as almost come to fruition.
“The final clay version of the statue is beyond belief and when it is cast in bronze will be a thing of beauty that even London or Paris could not surpass, yet it will be in Burntwood town.
“A final push for funds is now on and anyone with a business that turns a blind eye will surely regret missing out when the final statue is unveiled.”
The sculpture has been on the drawing board for the past five years – a process that has seen local miners photographed in the pose to ensure the authenticity of the finished work.
“For me this is perhaps the most important artwork I will make,” said sculptor Peter Walker. “It is for the town I grew up in and for the people I know.
“It is of great importance that the history of this town isn’t forgotten, and as the town gets larger the more the mining heritage disappears.
“The artwork will forever stand as a symbol of an era gone by, in an place which I have walked past a thousand times with my family, and which will be I trust something which the fantastic community spirit of Burntwood will cherish.”
