Andy Scott unveils Trinity Leeds sculptures
March 18 2013
The works include a 15m high horse sculpture named Equus and a draped figure known as the Briggate Minerva, which have both been delivered as part of a £500k arts programme.
Continuing the equine theme of Falkirk's Kelpies the Yorkshire equivalents are Inspired by Leeds historical use of pack horses, weighing a hefty two tonnes and taking five days to assemble under the domed roof of the malls central atrium.
The Briggate Minerva meanwhile is a 5m tall draped figure which stands on Leeds main shopping thoroughfare, drawing reference from the cloth and wool trade upon which the Yorkshire city built its fortunes.
Scott said: “Both contemporary sculptures draw on important historical themes which are extremely relevant to the city of Leeds and create permanent pieces of work which I hope will add a great deal of visual interest to the shopping centre both inside and out.”
Trinity Leeds, designed by Chapman Taylor, is the only major retail development to complete in Western Europe this year when it opens its doors on Thursday.
A smaller draped figure stands watch outside the mall
Scott poses alongside his teetering work of art
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13 Comments
#1 Posted by Big Chantelle on 18 Mar 2013 at 15:53 PM
No regeneration project would be complete without an Andy Scott sculpture so in light of that, my maw's just got a new conservatory and was wondering if he could knock up a nice wee flamingo for inside it?
#2 Posted by Trombe Wall on 18 Mar 2013 at 17:01 PM
Horses again. I would love to see a macaque for a change, not specific to Leeds I know. Will the new George Sq get a giant swooping seagull, cluching some chips?
#3 Posted by Miffed on 19 Mar 2013 at 10:16 AM
Because no other industrial cities used horses? Come on there has to be something more relevant to Leeds. What a waste of public money, why didn't the private company that will profit from the shopping centre pay for the clichéd art work?
#4 Posted by More miffed on 21 Mar 2013 at 22:03 PM
When will the commissioners see that this is not art, depending on you aesthetic these are expensive decorative (or not) objects, but it can't be classified as art, this type of work give public art its unneccisary bad reputation, although I have to say a shopping mall is the perfect place for these things to live.
#5 Posted by David on 25 Mar 2013 at 15:54 PM
Can you define why is it not art More miffed? I would disagree completely.
I have to say though, it does appear that these sculptures are popping up everywhere. This guy seems to have the metal horse sculpture market totally sewn up. Surely someone else should be given a chance, particularly when they appear to be publicly funded.
I have to say though, it does appear that these sculptures are popping up everywhere. This guy seems to have the metal horse sculpture market totally sewn up. Surely someone else should be given a chance, particularly when they appear to be publicly funded.
#6 Posted by Shona on 4 Apr 2013 at 16:55 PM
I'm not from Leeds and recently visited the new trinity centre. Personally I found the horse sculpture breathtaking. Whether it has relevance to Leeds or not, it is a thing of great beauty.
#7 Posted by loinerlad on 25 Apr 2013 at 19:10 PM
Sculptures pretty impressive, art or not, but not so the cheap looking metal poles on which they are elevated, Minerva especially. Think a more aesthetically pleasing pedestal could have been designed to enhance that figure, especially in such a prime location. My first impression was that it jarred, an ethereal sculpture plonked on top of a pole that looked like it had been recycled from Steptoe's yard! Totally at odds with each other.
#8 Posted by Simon Barker on 10 Jul 2013 at 09:02 AM
You will find that the lights are now on the Minerva. Finished installing these late last night :-)
#9 Posted by Nad Fiorrucci on 30 Aug 2013 at 02:24 AM
Yes, I was very impressed by Andy Scott's 'Equus' horse sculpture..looks very impressive & quite striking against the backdrop of all those high street shops..looking at it in greater detail, I cudnt figure out what significance the roll on his back was all about. I now realise its meant to be a packhorse of Leeds.
However, perhaps it would have been a better idea to give him some divine wings & call him 'Pegasus' as on closer inspection, poor 'Equus' looks as if he's about to jump off his very narrow pedestal!
However, perhaps it would have been a better idea to give him some divine wings & call him 'Pegasus' as on closer inspection, poor 'Equus' looks as if he's about to jump off his very narrow pedestal!
#10 Posted by Vernon Levy on 10 May 2014 at 07:20 AM
I went into the Trinity Centre for the first time last night and had an awe and wonder moment when I saw Equus. What a brilliant eye catching piece of art it was totally unexpected and the sight of it lifted my spirits. I intend to return to the centre to look at it from all angles when I have some spare time.
#11 Posted by Susan Corlett on 6 Dec 2015 at 16:45 PM
Been to Leeds for the First time ever ,this weekend I loved the Minerva draped figure ,out side the shopping center .A beautiful piece of art , and quite breath taking to see. Next time I hope to see the Horse inside the shopping center . This statue is so life like and out of this world.
#12 Posted by Farmer on 15 Jul 2019 at 21:36 PM
What a fabulous sculpture. A closer look reveals the amazing technique engaged to create the textured effect. It must have been quite a project to complete with such realism and detail. Well done to the artist it's an inspiring creation.
#13 Posted by Ian Whitfield on 14 Sep 2022 at 06:44 AM
For all those moaning about another horse sculpture by Andy Scott,( the Kelpies are magnificent btw), go and have a look at the Kompany, Silva, Aguero trio of sculptures at the Etihad stadium in Manchester. They are a worthy tribute to these great City legends.
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