INTERNATIONALLY renowned artist Jaume Plensa has been awarded this year’s British Precast ‘Creativity in Concrete Award’ for his design of ‘Dream’, a 22m high precast concrete sculpture of a girl’s head with her eyes closed in a dream-like state that stands on the site of a former colliery in St.Helens, overlooking the M62.
The British Precast Creativity in Concrete Award is presented each year to an architect, designer or artist in recognition of a particular achievement for the creative use of concrete.
Jaume Plensa flew in from Canada to receive the 2009 award from Martin Clarke, chief executive of British Precast, at a special event held at Southwark Cathedral, in London.
‘We are thrilled that Jaume chose concrete for Dream, the first time he has featured our material, and we are delighted to make this award,’ said Mr Clarke. ‘Dream stands out, quite literally, this year and is a beacon of optimism for the precast industry as well as for the North West region and the local community.
He also congratulated British Precast member company Evans Concrete for their dedication and skill in turning Dream into reality.
Garry McBride, chairman of Evans Concrete, said: ‘Dream is probably the finest achievement in the company’s history and it also has to be one of the highlights of my own professional career.
‘The skill and attention to detail that were necessary to design and manufacture the individual pieces of concrete which form this sculpture needed to be of the highest quality. I believe that we have succeeded in creating an iconic sculpture which will remain as a permanent showcase to our skills and traditions.’
The British Precast Creativity in Concrete Award is presented each year to an architect, designer or artist in recognition of a particular achievement for the creative use of concrete.
Jaume Plensa flew in from Canada to receive the 2009 award from Martin Clarke, chief executive of British Precast, at a special event held at Southwark Cathedral, in London.
‘We are thrilled that Jaume chose concrete for Dream, the first time he has featured our material, and we are delighted to make this award,’ said Mr Clarke. ‘Dream stands out, quite literally, this year and is a beacon of optimism for the precast industry as well as for the North West region and the local community.
He also congratulated British Precast member company Evans Concrete for their dedication and skill in turning Dream into reality.
Garry McBride, chairman of Evans Concrete, said: ‘Dream is probably the finest achievement in the company’s history and it also has to be one of the highlights of my own professional career.
‘The skill and attention to detail that were necessary to design and manufacture the individual pieces of concrete which form this sculpture needed to be of the highest quality. I believe that we have succeeded in creating an iconic sculpture which will remain as a permanent showcase to our skills and traditions.’
