The Tillydrone Tops

‘The Tillydrone Tops’ or ‘Tilly Tops’ are an ascending series of sculptures that encapsulate the spirit of Tillydrone. They were commissioned by the Tillydrone Community Trust in Tillydrone, Aberdeen and installed in May 2023. Moving from small cast iron pieces through to the larger sculptures made of Cor-Ten steel, the works suggest a set of spinning tops, growing forms that closely reference key features of Tillydrone’s social, industrial and natural identity. Situated on open ground at the Diamond Bridge, close to the River Don, they take inspiration from the flora and fauna of the riverbanks, as well as the mills which used water wheels to take power from the flow of the river for shuttling, spinning and weaving.