The Wire Works

Warrington Borough Council were awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to research the stories of Warrington’s wire industries from the 18th and 19th centuries up to the present day. The project focused on collecting oral histories, engaging a vast range of new audiences and sparking renewed interest in Warrington’s industrial past amongst the community. People with personal or family connections with Warrington’s wire industries, past and present, took part in and informed our project. One of three Artists on the project, I worked with sixth form Architecture students at Priestley College to create wire sculptures informed by the history of wire making in Warrington. We also worked closely with Warrington Borough Council and Warrington Museum staff and our collaborative creative process culminated in an exhibition in Warrington town centre in October and November 2021. There you could meet my sculpture 'Winnie' along with the fabulous sculptures the students created. The exhibition, which was a great success, included films, artefacts and lots of information to explore and enjoy.