|
|
 |
At
the south end of the space, in the new Mandela Garden, is a bronze
cast, 16 metres high, entitled Both Arms.
 Both
Arms
Created by Leeds-born Kenneth Armitage the open arms are expressing
a feeling of welcome. The work is envisaged as a monument to friendship.
Kenneth Armitage was born in 1916 and attended the Leeds College
of Art between 1933 and 1937.
 Gilded
owls
The 2.5-metre-high gilded owls on top of the Civic Hall have looked
over Leeds since 1933, they are now joined by four more.
One pair overlook Millennium Square and the others guard the Portland
Crescent entrance to the Civic Hall.
The new additions are based on the original art deco owls and were
cast in bronze and gilded by Burleighfield Arts.
The four owls stand on Portland stone obelisks designed by city
architect, John Thorp. The pair in Millennium Square are approximately
two metres high and the smallest pair around 1.2 metres.
 Marker
obelisk
Near the Civic Hall steps a small marker obelisk brings attention
to the plaque commemorating the inauguration of Millennium Square
by Nelson Mandela.
Made out of titanium the obelisk brings a classic motif together
with the most modern of materials.
A further piece of sculpture is a large piece by Richard Wilson
in a rugby ball shape, to be funded by the Henry Moore foundation.
Millennium Square
The £12m Millennium Square project, funded by Leeds City Council
and the Millennium Commission, has produced what is claimed to be
one of Europe's most impressive civic spaces.
The
square is the city's first new public square in over 60 years.
Opened
in December 2000, incorporating three squares within one - the main
central square (the events arena), a linked space to the northeast
and a new garden and fountain area to the south - the square forms
the heart of an emergent civic quarter, with cultural, leisure and
residential uses.
|
