One of Canada’s largest and most iconic sculptures – a massive steam locomotive pulling a coal car, a passenger car and a caboose – took its place today as the westerly gateway to St. Thomas.
With the installation nearly complete, creator Scott McKay grinned widely, “It went up without any problems or surprises.” The impressive sculpture will, however, surely be a surprising treat for those coming upon it as they use the west end roundabout.
With the installation nearly complete, creator Scott McKay grinned widely, “It went up without any problems or surprises.” The impressive sculpture will, however, surely be a surprising treat for those coming upon it as they use the west end roundabout.
THE ARTIST
Local artist Scott McKay of Strong Arm Forge - Artist Scott McKay designed and created the sculpture, titled ‘Perserverance’
““Embodying the spirit of a community into a sculpture is a challenge that I accepted with this project. ‘Perseverance’ incorporates a historical element referencing the railroad and industrial sectors, while the movement and expanding nature of the sculpture captures the enduring community spirit and bright future for the City. Creating this work has been a terrific experience for myself and I am proud to have my work associated with the progressive and prosperous City of St. Thomas.”
THE SCULPTURE
• 25 tonnes of atmospheric corrosion resistant steel
• 20 metres long
• 6 metres tall
CITY’S NEW BRANDING BROUGHT TO LIFE
The sculpture will serve to bring the City’s new Railway City brand to life. The branding was developed by adHOME Creative, who discovered through surveys, focus groups and input from a diverse range of stakeholders, that that there is a distinct connection to the City’s deep, historic railway roots. The company ran with that and came up with a new corporate identity that would be representative of both the strong railway heritage of St. Thomas and the commitment to a progressive future for residents and businesses.
AND …
City Engineer Justin Lawrence is extremely pleased with this project, saying “The Gateway Roundabout gave the City an opportunity to really make a difference in safety, traffic efficiency, and visitor appeal. By fully embracing the railway heritage, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this monumental piece of art for decades.”
The Perseverance rail sculpture joins the many other railway assets in the community that go to support the Railway City branding, including the Canada Southern (CASO) Station, the BX Tower, the replica London & Port Stanley Railway Station & Tourism Office, the Elgin County Railway Museum, the St. Thomas Elevated Park, the murals found throughout the Downtown, the Jumbo Monument and the many rail lines that cross the City.
Info courtesy of St. Thomas EDC
Local artist Scott McKay of Strong Arm Forge - Artist Scott McKay designed and created the sculpture, titled ‘Perserverance’
““Embodying the spirit of a community into a sculpture is a challenge that I accepted with this project. ‘Perseverance’ incorporates a historical element referencing the railroad and industrial sectors, while the movement and expanding nature of the sculpture captures the enduring community spirit and bright future for the City. Creating this work has been a terrific experience for myself and I am proud to have my work associated with the progressive and prosperous City of St. Thomas.”
THE SCULPTURE
• 25 tonnes of atmospheric corrosion resistant steel
• 20 metres long
• 6 metres tall
CITY’S NEW BRANDING BROUGHT TO LIFE
The sculpture will serve to bring the City’s new Railway City brand to life. The branding was developed by adHOME Creative, who discovered through surveys, focus groups and input from a diverse range of stakeholders, that that there is a distinct connection to the City’s deep, historic railway roots. The company ran with that and came up with a new corporate identity that would be representative of both the strong railway heritage of St. Thomas and the commitment to a progressive future for residents and businesses.
AND …
City Engineer Justin Lawrence is extremely pleased with this project, saying “The Gateway Roundabout gave the City an opportunity to really make a difference in safety, traffic efficiency, and visitor appeal. By fully embracing the railway heritage, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this monumental piece of art for decades.”
The Perseverance rail sculpture joins the many other railway assets in the community that go to support the Railway City branding, including the Canada Southern (CASO) Station, the BX Tower, the replica London & Port Stanley Railway Station & Tourism Office, the Elgin County Railway Museum, the St. Thomas Elevated Park, the murals found throughout the Downtown, the Jumbo Monument and the many rail lines that cross the City.
Info courtesy of St. Thomas EDC