A large sculptural artwork that has been broken for 14 years on an old coal mine heap in Hamm, Germany, is finally operational again. The Regional Association Ruhr (RVR) has found a practical and cost-effective solution to permanently repair the wind indicator known as "Haldenblick."
The wind indicator sculpture, located atop the Sachsen mine heap, was destroyed during a storm in spring 2011. The artwork, which stands 92.5 meters above sea level and nearly 25 meters above the surrounding terrain, could not withstand the harsh conditions at that elevation. The storm most likely destroyed both the sail and the mast, leaving the sculpture motionless ever since. Following the damage, the structure was partially dismantled, with the white sail fabric removed and stored while the mast and pointer remained on the heap, creating an unintended artwork of their own.
The original wind indicator was installed in 2002 after Essen-based artist Jens J. Meyer won a competition organized by the Regional Association Ruhr. Meyer's delicate sculpture featured a 15-meter-high mast and a 20-meter-long pointer that, when intact, indicated wind direction. The artwork cost approximately 60,000 euros, with an additional 17,000 euros spent on landscaping the heap's summit and surrounding area. The sculpture was installed on the foundation of a former wind turbine.
According to Barbara Klask, spokesperson for the Regional Association, the foundation was never the problem. Rather, the forces acting at that elevation were not adequately considered during the original installation. After the incident, the RVR wanted to restore the sculpture, but quotes for repairs were extremely high and stability could not be guaranteed. Additionally, there remained a significant risk that the wind sail could be destroyed again by future storms.
Klask explained that the RVR consistently received requests to restore the artwork to its original condition. Artist Jens J. Meyer had also expressed this desire when he learned of the destruction ten years ago. However, no action was taken for years, though alternatives were considered over time. Now, a more affordable and weather-resistant solution has finally emerged.
The new repair consists of a cable construction that is more stable and robust than the original design. However, Klask declined to provide specific details about the mechanism or explain why the repair became possible now after approximately 14 years of inactivity. She did reveal that the costs were relatively modest, totaling around 2,000 euros. These expenses are being covered by RVR Ruhr Grün, a semi-independent organization responsible for maintenance, upkeep, and development.
Interestingly, ten years ago, Meyer had estimated his artwork's lifespan at approximately 25 years. More than half of that time has now passed with the sculpture sitting on the heap. The recent activity on the Sachsen mine heap extends beyond just the wind indicator repair – a larger-than-life miner figure created by Hamm artist Osman Bol was recently installed at Edelweiß Square, at the corner of Am Hämmschen, Vogelsang, and Bernard-Droste-Weg.
