Charles Sansbury’s Difficult Rocket Sculpture in Merthyr
October 6, 2008
This is a decidedly difficult sculpture. An imposing steel rocket-like structure on the edge of Merthyr town.
When the late Charles Sansbury created this massive installation way back in 1975, little did he realise how unloved his gangly child would become.
Logic and reason suggest that it is difficult not to notice this work at a height of approximately 20 feet. The fact is, most people do not notice it.
The sculpture was installed at the edge of Merthyr main car park, in front of Merthyr College, and at the entrance of the footbridge leading into St Tydfil’s shopping centre.
Although it was guaranteed a daily audience of thousands of passers-by, few noticed when it was recently moved to the Caedraw roundabout as part of a town landscaping project.
And the colour seems to have changed. It was previously painted in dark matt colours, now it’s been stripped of colour. To better effect, in our opinion.
The new location causes difficulty. It sits in the middle of Merthyr town’s busiest roundabout, near the T Mobile call centre and Welsh Assembly buildings. The onlooker and photographer is distracted.
The steel sculpture is difficult to like because we don’t think it reflects the reality of Merthyr’s industrial history. This sculpture doesn’t tell us any story about the struggles of working people who created Merthyr’s vast industrial wealth.
Enjoy Photos of the Charles Sansbury ‘rocket’ in the Gallery
Add to favourites