The project commenced in October 2006 and is likely to complete in the Spring of 2008.

Chrysalis has been commissioned by Sefton Council to create artwork for Lord Street, Southport as part of the regeneration of the gardens originally designed by Thomas Mawson. This presdigious commission will involve the design and creation of a water feature, a new area of work for the company, a series of site-specific artwork seats and a community mosaic. Lord Street is a fine example of the landscape and architecture of the arts and crafts movement and this is an opportunity for Chrysalis Arts to add significant contemporary works to this heritage site. The commission is due to commence in April 2007 and complete in February 2008.

The name Shorehead conjures up images of sea and shore. 350 million years ago in the carboniferous period, the area that is now Huddersfield was a shallow tropical sea situated 5 degrees South of the Equator. Prehistoric coral-like sea creatures called Crinoids inhabited the area, their fossilised remains can be seen in limestone and millstone grit and have inspired the Crinoid sculpture.

                              

A crinoid resembles a palm tree, its branch-like crown of tentacles sway with the movement of water and it is this fascinating ‘under sea world’ that has inspired the artist. The suspended sculpture responds to the air movement caused by people passing through the Shorehead building’s foyer. The quality of light under water with the effects of diffusion, reflection and refraction, changes our perception of form and scale. Changing colour light emitted through fibre optic cables simulates this underwater effect.

The design, materials and skill used in the construction of the sculpture draw on local trades;

The traditional technique of hand metal spinning used to make the Crinoid stem is still a feature of industry local to Huddersfield. Metal spinning is ideal for making light curved metal dish, vessel and shell forms. It is particularly relevant to the Shorehead building facilities as it is the process used to make much of the catering equipment evident in the kitchens.

Traditional rope and braid making, once a very necessary and widespread industry supplying a diverse range of uses, is now scarce and Outhwaite Ropemakers of Hawes are one of the few in existence.

Fibre optic technology is a relatively new phenomenon and a key part of digital communication systems on which our modern life is based. The light system was supplied by Fibre Optic FX of Blackburn.

Steel Dreams of Slaithwaite created the stainless steel stem support and fixings.

Kate Maddison worked with staff from Huddersfield University to assemble and install the sculpture in the Shorehead Building foyer.