Middleton’s characters to be celebrated in public art feature

Famous faces from Middleton’s past will be celebrated with a new public art and landscaping feature following a consultation on shortlisted designs.

North West artist Tim Rushton was chosen to deliver the new eye-catching feature for Middleton Gardens after the public gave their views on three proposals.

Tim Rushton’s work was selected by Middleton Township Committee yesterday (Thursday) taking on board the views of the public who strongly preferred his designs.

“I am thrilled to be named Middleton’s artist of choice,” said 57 year old Tim, originally from Moston in Manchester who now lives in Withington

“I was filled with so much trepidation before the announcement that it’s a fantastic feeling to know that I’ll be the one driving this project forward.

“My designs are inspired by my own experience in the realm of public art over the last 15 years and the good practice that I have observed. My own skills and ability derive from a career that has combined the disciplines of fine art, graphic design and typography and applying them to manufacturing processes..  

“I’m very fond of Middleton as an area and used to cycle down by the canal side as a child. I’m now looking forward to bringing some of the town’s historical greats to the fore and holding another consultation to take more of the public’s ideas into account.”

The landscaped artwork worth £100,000, has been funded by Tesco and Rochdale Development Agency, and will provide an attractive gateway between the proposed supermarket and the town centre near Middleton Gardens.     

The proposed designs consist of eight stainless steel banners displayed on four poles, trees and seating along with 30 decorative cast iron floor panels.

Tim has suggested the panels could pay homage to Middletonians such as architect Edgar Wood and poet Samuel Bamford and now wants to carry out further consultation to find out exactly who residents would like to see represented before final decisions are made.

The proposed banners could also contain images of Middleton Archers and will be accompanied by trees and a seating area for shoppers. Tim has a wealth of additional ideas including images of the Borough coat of arms, the three old townships of Middleton, the old Boars Head, the River Irk, Jim Allen, the radical Langley playwright and old Canky the grave robber. He plans to visit local schools to explain how he creates the intricate castings from patterns

Martin Ledson, Project Office at Rochdale Development Agency, said: “The designs are modern and fresh while paying homage to some of Middleton’s famous faces. I’m sure young and old will enjoy this public space and it will become another great attraction for people visiting the town.”

The artwork will complement other exciting developments in Middleton including the new sports centre and theatre called the Middleton Arena, Tesco store and recent improvements to the bus station and shopping centre. The Tesco store is expected to create around 220 local jobs.

Paul Raftery, Store Development Manager for Tesco said: “Tesco is delighted to support the Middleton Gardens Art project and looks forward to working with the artist selected by the people of Middleton to create a public art feature which will be enjoyed by the people of Middleton every day.”