The city of Bradford, a city that grew up around the wool industry.
How fantastic it was to take a walk last week on Penistone Hill behind Haworth, right in the midst of Bronte country, where there are some incredible new sculptures that form part of the Bradford City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
For me, the sculpture with the greatest impact was definitely the sculpture that I called “Built from wool”. Bradford as a city, in its heyday in the industrial era, was a city whose wealth grew from the wool industry.
The whole structure was incredible because it was clad in raw wool – from about 500 fleeces of sheep on local farms. You could touch and smell the wool, and see the colourful markings on that farmers use to mark up sheep. The whole structure was authentic and that added to its impact.
One of the most amazing things about the sculpture was its scale and height, and the arch at the top. You could look up and feel that you were just surrounded by wool. The setting of the sculpture, with far-reaching views from the moorland were dramatic and breath-taking too.
There are several places to park at Penistone Country Park, and each sculpture has a little noticeboard with it. There is also a larger noticeboard about the “Wild Uplands” project that this sculpture sits within. It is well worth a read to gain a sense of place and the project’s purpose. All this, whilst enjoying a walk in stunning moorland scenery and a good dose of fresh air.
The marble butterflies were a sight to behold.
The colourful creations also took my attention.
You can read more about the 2025 Bradford City of Culture website here.
I would also highly commend watching this episode of Countryfile, screened earlier this month and available on BBC iPlayer, it really sets out the story of the sculptures in the landscape, telling the story of the rural hinterland that surrounds the city and the wool industry. Follow the link to watch the programme – before or after your visit, it will be sure to make an impact.
I understand that the sculptures are due to stay in place until October 2025, so now is the time to visit and perhaps have a good hike in the hills or a potter along Haworth Main Street too.