A new life-size horse statue has been unveiled along the Swansea Canal, bringing a touch of history and art to the community of Clydach. The sculpture, made from over 800 horseshoes, pays homage to the era when horses were a common sight by the canal, used for towing barges until the 1960s. Commissioned by Swansea Council and created by artist Ollie Holman, the artwork stands majestically as a reminder of the area’s rich past.
Ollie Holman shared his inspiration behind the sculpture, expressing his fondness for spending time by waterways as a boy and the significance of having his work displayed for all to appreciate. The unveiling of this horse statue marks the first of four planned installations across Swansea, funded as part of the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Placemaking programme aimed at enhancing walking and cycling routes with artistic elements.
Andrew Stevens, Swansea’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, highlighted the importance of preserving history while developing sustainable travel options for residents and visitors. The investment in artwork, benches, and tree planting along active travel routes aims to create engaging spaces for the public to enjoy while promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation.
The horse statue stands as a symbol of the city’s commitment to blending the old with the new, offering path users a unique and enriching experience. As Swansea continues to expand its walking and cycling infrastructure, initiatives like the sculpture project serve to celebrate local heritage and provide points of interest for the community to explore.
With more art installations and enhancements planned for Swansea’s active travel routes, residents can look forward to encountering more creative expressions that reflect the city’s vibrant past and promising future. The horse sculpture serves as a testament to Swansea’s dedication to sustainable travel, cultural enrichment, and community engagement along its scenic canal pathways.