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Title: Imposing Sculpture ‘Danum’ to be Lifted into New Square Author: DMBC  ID & Publication: 20120511040 ~ The-Villager.co.uk  Area: Doncaster  Subject: Community News

An imposing eight metre high sculpture called ‘Danum’ will be lifted into position in Sir Nigel Gresley Square at 9am on Wednesday 30 May.

The new public art provides the finishing touch to the impressive new square which will officially open on Sunday, 3 June (1-5pm) as part of the Big Launch that celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Designed by nationally acclaimed sculptor who lives in Doncaster Michael Johnson, ‘Danum’ has incorporated many key themes which have made Doncaster the great place it is today. Michael held workshops on specific subjects with young people at various local schools and older people and adults with either a physical or mental disability at Stirling Day Centre. Artwork was created that reflected the theme and Michael cast these images into bronze inserts which feature prominently all the way up the stainless steel fins that lead out from a central core. Michael used the tenth fin to capture the names of influential people in Doncaster’s history from 1740 to 1940.

Michael Johnson, commenting on his artwork, said: 'Having known Doncaster for many years I feel it was the contribution of many factors which made the town the way it is today, from the River Don’s border position between the Brigantes and the Coritani tribes, to the decision to bring railway engineering to the town and the urban development which followed.

'I wanted to represent a broad cross-section of these factors in the artwork. The sculpture encapsulates this sense of place through cast-bronze references to the town’s past and present. Each of the bronze panels has its own theme represented by artefacts and visual references. Alongside these images are artworks designed by children and adults from local schools and community groups, which they produced through workshop sessions.

'It has been a privilege to make this work and I’m very thankful to all the individuals who have helped and contributed to the project.'

Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, said: 'It is fitting that this piece of art has been designed to showcase what is great about Doncaster. It will be a focal point of the Sir Nigel Gresley Square and I am sure this imposing sculpture will become a town centre attraction in its own right.

'I am proud that many of our young people, elderly residents and people with disabilities have played their part and helped shape this iconic landmark.'

A full list of the contributors is set out below:

Contributor - Theme
Barnby Dun Primary School - The canal
Bentley High Street Primary School - Roman origins
Bessacarr Primary School - Sports
Mallard Primary School - The River Don
Pheasant Bank Junior School - Mining
Richmond Hill Primary School - Living on the railway
Stirling Day Centre - Our town: A day at the races
Stirling Primary School - Doncaster Market
Town Field Primary School - The railway

Doncaster Archives, Northern Racing College and Doncaster Racecourse also played their part in helping to shape the sculpture.

With its fabulous modern features, mix of hard and soft landscaping and ‘Danum’ as its centrepiece, Sir Nigel Gresley Square in Waterdale will be a perfect setting for relaxing and socialising. The square is also important for the success of the Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ) project which is seeing new civic offices, a new performance venue and various other attractions created to help encourage more people back into this part of the town centre.

The CCQ is being delivered by Doncaster Council and its development partner Muse Developments. The project is being part funded by the European Union, as part of the European Regional Development Fund’s support for the region’s economic development.

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