A life-size horse statue has been unveiled along the Swansea Canal in Clydach, bringing a touch of history back to the waterside. The sculpture, constructed from more than 800 horseshoes, is the first of four installations planned to adorn the city. Commissioned by Swansea Council and crafted by artist Ollie Holman, the artwork aims to capture the essence of the area’s past where horses once towed barges along the canal.
Ollie Holman, the talented artist behind the sculpture, expressed his emotional connection to the project, citing his fond childhood memories spent by waterways. The unveiling of the statue marks the initiation of the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Placemaking programme. This initiative seeks to enrich existing travel routes with engaging historical references, like the horse sculpture, along with benches and tree planting to enhance the overall experience for walkers and cyclists.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Andrew Stevens, Swansea’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, who highlighted the importance of creating points of interest along active travel routes. These initiatives not only celebrate the city’s heritage but also encourage sustainable and healthy modes of transport for residents and visitors alike.
While the exact cost of the sculpture remains undisclosed, it is part of a broader £156,000 grant allocated by the Welsh Government towards the Active Travel programme. The unveiling of this captivating horse statue sets the stage for the forthcoming installations along active travel routes in Swansea, promising more surprises and historical reflections for the public to enjoy.