Two remarkable public art installations in Yorkshire have earned recognition on the national stage, being shortlisted for the 2025 Public Statues and Sculpture Association (PSSA) Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture. The honored works include "The Industry," a striking loop-the-loop canal boat sculpture located on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, and "Ribbons," a powerful tribute to Leeds' most inspirational women. These pieces are among only five sculptures nationwide to receive this prestigious nomination.
Public participation plays a crucial role in the selection process, as community members can cast their votes for their favorite sculpture through the PSSA website. The voting period remains open until October 5, allowing art enthusiasts and local residents to have their voices heard in determining the winner.
"Ribbons" stands as a testament to efforts aimed at addressing gender imbalance in public art throughout Leeds. The impressive 5-meter (16-foot) tall sculpture consists of five steel ribbons meticulously engraved with the names of nearly 400 women from diverse backgrounds and professions. Creator Pippa Hale explained that the sculpture serves to "celebrate the achievements of women in our city," representing a significant step toward more inclusive public art.
The development of "Ribbons" involved extensive community engagement through a public call-out process that resulted in nominations for almost 400 women from all walks of life. Hale elaborated on her design philosophy, stating, "Ribbons tie many parts together, so the idea is that we are binding the names of these women together over time and space in a celebration of womanhood." This approach creates a powerful symbol of unity and recognition that spans generations and diverse contributions to the community.
"The Industry" represents a celebration of Sheffield's rich waterway history and industrial heritage. The sculpture was designed and created by renowned artist Alex Chinneck, who has built a reputation for his large-scale installations that creatively manipulate and transform familiar structures. Measuring an impressive 42 feet (13 meters), the twisted canal boat sculpture occupies a prominent position between locks four and five of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal.
The historical significance of "The Industry" extends beyond its artistic merit, as the sculpture takes its name from the very first vessel to successfully navigate the waterway when it officially opened in 1819. Following the sculpture's public unveiling, Chinneck shared his artistic vision, explaining that he had "tried to create an uplifting and endearing landmark that belongs to this historic location while honoring the city's industrial history by pushing steel to its material limit."
The recognition for "The Industry" extends beyond the PSSA award, as the sculpture has also earned a shortlisting in the Sheffield Design Awards for Public Art. The winner of this local competition will be announced in November, potentially providing additional recognition for Chinneck's innovative work.
The competition for the PSSA award features three other notable sculptures from across England. Jason deCaires Taylor's "Alluvia" in Canterbury, Ryan Gander's "Know Not Your Place in the World" in Southwark, London, and "na Dorsan" by collaborative artists Will Maclean and Marian Leven on the Isle of Lewis complete the prestigious shortlist, showcasing the diversity and quality of contemporary public art across the nation.
