Survey now open on proposed plans for future of Kiddey Stones
Posted on: Tuesday, September 3, 2024Robert Kiddey was a sculptor, artist and teacher, born in Nottingham in 1900. His work is visible across Nottinghamshire, including on the Nottingham’s Council House and County Hall. Many of his works depict the working people of Nottinghamshire, including coalminers, metalworkers and agricultural labourers.
Kiddey moved to Newark in 1931 and during his time here, produced many important pieces of work including the Kiddey Stones which comprise 12 pieces of stone forming four panels each depicting a different aspect of electricity production.
These were commissioned by, and installed at, Wilford Power Station in Nottingham. When the power station was demolished in the early eighties the tablets were gifted to Newark Town Council. They have been stored, unseen, at Newark Cemetery since then. The sculptures have now been cleaned and restored and a decision on what to do with the artworks is now needed.
Newark and Sherwood District Council is considering whether the newly restored sculptures should be on display where they can be seen by residents. It is considering whether to display them outside Castle House, Great North Road in Newark, where they could mark the start of a new art trail around Newark town centre.
The art trail is expected to attract new visitors to the town centre and to build Newark’s reputation as a historic town with strong cultural roots. Installing and displaying the newly restored works would cost £81,240.
Before committing to this expenditure, the District Council’s Cabinet has agreed that the proposal should be put to public consultation to gather residents’ views. The consultation opened on 2 September and closes on 30 September 2024. Residents are encouraged to give feedback by completing the survey which can be accessed through the Newark and Sherwood District Council website at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/kiddeystones.
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It would be a travesty for these significant works of art to stay hidden from public view after they had been saved from the demolition of the Wilford Power Station. I strongly believe that it should be possible for residents and visitors to be able to experience works of this quality without having to visit a gallery or sculpture park. These tablets have resonance for our district, reflecting, as they do, the working lives of miners and electric plant operators.
“By displaying works like this, we not only honour our district’s heritage, but looking forward we also hope to inspire future artists to pick up a pencil, brush or chisel to create the great works of the future. I would like to encourage as many residents as possible to share their views on this important public consultation.”
The survey comprises of 3 questions and should take no more than five minutes to complete. To find out more about the sculptures and the consultation please visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council website and have your views heard: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/kiddeystones.