On the Wing

Commissioned through Dundee Public Art Programme and funded by Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Dundee District Council, as part of Dundee Riverside and Airport improvement scheme (cost £17,000). Supported by Robert Fleming Ltd (£1000). Brushed polished stainless steel wings. Galvanised and silver-painted tapered steel poles. Granite blocks and pink granite chips form the base. Bearings set into the top of each pole allow the wings to turn 180 degrees in the wind. Fabrication and installation was by Birch Engineering Ltd Landscaping and granite base in collaboration with Ironside Farrar. Info from artist: “The site for the sculpture is opposite the entrance to Dundee Airport and close to a wild-life conservation area for birds. Winged flight was my primary inspiration. The design of the piece grew from the nature of the site, a long narrow area of grass, between the railway line and the main road into Dundee. Thus the sculpture would be seen from both sides by passing traffic rather than pedestrians. This asked for length so it could be seen for a longer moment. A series of winged shapes atop 26 tapered poles of varying height set in the ground in a double sinuous line, represent flight, without being specifically aeroplane or bird.”