Industrial Symphony

Industrial Symphony
Commemorative Sculpture Commission

Artist: Peter Walker

Client: Carmarthenshire County Council and Henry Davidson Developments

Location: Llanelli

Services: Strategy development and commissioning

Completed: 2013

At the centre of Llanelli’s East Gate cultural quarter is Ffwrnes Theatr, a creative and cultural centre for performing arts, media and community events. To create a centrepiece for this new development, sculptor Peter Walker was commissioned by Studio Response to create a figurative yet contemporary sculpture in response to the industrial heritage of Llanelli.

In the latter half of the 19th century Llanelli was such a significant regional producer of tin that it was referred to as ‘Tinopolis’ and Walker’s sculpture, titled Industrial Symphony, pays tribute to the tin workers of the town. Reflecting on both the men and women of Llanelli, the sculpture considers the rhythm of the roles they played and the work they undertook in the tinplate industry over many generations.

Composer David Harper created a sound piece to accompany the sculpture which celebrates the industrial heritage of Llanelli. You can listen here: https://youtu.be/h0L2LB8oZBM