I saw these faces on a Derby pavement a while ago and for the life of me couldn't remember where they were. I have found out since that they are on Friar Gate, so today Hope and I tore ourselves away from the shops and set off to find them. They are by Derbyshire artist, Timothy Clapcott and represent the 1821 Reform Bill which caused crowds to riot in Derby.
The plaques are called Signing Hands and mark where the old School for the Deaf used to be on Friar Gate. They were installed in 2000 along the National Cycle Network.
Imagine my disgust when we got there are a good half of the stone faces are smashed, it is such a shame as they are lovely (if a little bit grotesque). I love funny faces, sculptures and a bit of history so they are my cup of tea, shame not everybody feels the same way.
I took this one too, with a slower shutter speed to catch the traffic and show that nobody really takes the time to look at these pieces of art. Had to play around as it was quite sunny and too long a shutter speed let far too much light in and burnt out the image.
Grotesque indeed, would not like to meet any of these faces on a dark night. lol. Don't have any nightmares tonight.
ReplyDeleteThey remind me of Zombies coming out of the ground - arrgghhh, but loveable Zombies!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Police-probe-damage-city-sculpture/article-2539527-detail/article.html
ReplyDeleteThat's spooky that they are in the paper today, I've been racking my brains to remember whereabouts they were for ages, I must have passed them whilst drinking along the mile!!
ReplyDeleteHope something gets done about the state they are in and then they are left alone for everybody to enjoy.
Sounds like someone from the local rag reads your blog.
ReplyDeleteFancy a job as a photo journalist.