Lighthouse Tower, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, UK
Posted by: 
Ddraig Ddu
N 51° 36.850 W 003° 56.331
30U E 434995 N 5718543
A kinetic sculpture on the Maritime quarter in Swansea. As the wind blows the fins move and cause the bell to ring. Well it did to until the building of the recent development when they asked for the bell to be disconnected.
Waymark Code: WMC7P2
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 08/05/2011
Views: 14
A kinetic sculpture on the Maritime quarter in Swansea. As the wind blows the fins move and cause the bell to ring. Well it did to until the building of the recent development when they asked for the bell to be disconnected.
A sculpture that looks more elaborate than it actually is on the maritime quarter was unveiled in 1987 by the
With thanks to the local who told me about the 'de-commissioned' bell section.
"Tall portland stone shaft surmounted by metal sculpture resembling lighthouse tower consisting of various metal designs and shapes. Metal painted different colours, predominantly blue and grey. Information from City and County of Swansea: 'The octagonal tower relates to the identity and morphology of the site; it emphasises the importance of the connection between land and sea, and relates to panoramic views across Swansea Bay to lighthouses near and far. While acknowledging its sources directly, the steel upper sections are finished with copper coloured paint which relates to the metallurgical history and development of the lower Swansea Valley. The tower combines the old with the new; it has Victorian and Edwardian presence. It represents man-made objects, and is not abstract, although contemporary sculptural considerations such as aesthetic balance, form, colour, scale and texture are expressed through the representation of the functional object.'
The work was commissioned by Swansea City Council in 1987 with sponsorship from Alexandra Towing Co. Ltd., Ove Arup and Partners, Bath and Portland Stone Ltd., BOC Ltd. Margam, Milner Delvaux Ltd., Robert M. Douglas Holdings PLC., Lovell Urban Renewal, South Wales Electricity Board and the Welsh Development Agency. The work was unveiled by the Mayor of Swansea on 3rd October 1987. (Information at site)." (from (
visit link) )
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