Summary

Type Sculpture

Taken from SITES: Public Art in 1985 - 1990: 'The Lighthouse is one of four 10 metre high features which relate to Swansea's nautical history. The portland stone panels were cut into blocks, boasted into relief, and delivered to site prior to final carving in situ. Other panels depict details of a copper ore barque Zeta and the Helwick lightship. Lighthouse is based on an image on a receipt form for the Mumbles Lighthouse engraved and printed shortly after its construction in 1793. The flying object represents Halley's Comet which made its appearance during the years of construction and carving. The panel is built up on a portland stone lintel weighing approximately 2 tons. All four panels overlook pedestrian routes and occupy walls which would otherwise have been blank.' Taken from SITES - Public Art in Swansea 1985-1990: 'Public Art and Enhancement in Swansea was initiated as a programme in 1984 to humanise and uplife new central area developments, particularly the Maritime Quarter ... The policy of using art and craft to improve the quality of life was adopted as a 'percent' blueprint in 1990; this provides site specific artworks as an intrinsic element of major developments. The Enhancement programme has been featured at seminars, international conferences, and in publications on public art; the Maritime Quarter development has received several awards, including Civic Trust Award, R.I.C.S. Inner City Award and Europa Nostra Award.'

Related works : There are many other public works of art in the central and marina areas of Swansea: contact City and County of Swansea (Planning Department) for further information.

Contributor details

Contributor	Role
Chatfield, Philip	Sculptor
Campbell, Robin	Designer

Element details

Part of work	Material	Dimensions
The Lighthouse	Portland stone	10 metres high

PMSA recording information

Reference	Region
SWANSEA025	AH