The Angel of Bearwood

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West Mids artist Luke Perry has created a new sculpture in honour of the NHS.

Entitled Wings And Scrubs, the four-metre tall sculpture of a winged medical worker was created to pay tribute to NHS and social care 'angels' battling on the frontline in the fight against Covid-19.

Created from steel, and other metals, the impressive work was created in Luke's Cradley Heath factory/ workshop and has been installed at Lightwoods Park, Smethwick, since early May 2020.

Overlooking the busy Hagley Road, on the way out of Birmingham, many locals have already nicknamed the work ''.

Says Luke: "Like everyone, I have family members who owe their lives to the NHS and I wanted to create a piece of public art that captures the huge public outpouring of thanks to our health and care workers at this time."It is also a monument to all those who have lost their lives on the frontline fighting the virus and a reminder of how important the NHS is. "This is a marker to all our key workers and everyone fighting this 'war' and acknowledges their commitment and sacrifices."

Discussing it's prominent location on the Hagley Road - one of the busiest roads in the area, and passing through Edgbaston, Bearwood and Quinton - Luke says: "Lightwoods Park is perfect as many health and care workers travel along the Hagley Road to and from hospitals in Birmingham and on their way to their caring roles, so I hope they will see it and know that their inspirational work is so highly valued by us all."

The sculpture is a private donation by the artist - created and paid for without public funds.


Born in Wordsley, and from a family of chain makers, Luke has been creating large-scale public works of art for over a decade, often about under-represented peoples.

Previous works have seen him focus on the role of the Indian Army during World War One, the historic female chainmakers strike of 1910, coal, and immigration in communities.

He's also been involved in several Titanic related projects, including re-building the Titanic's bow in Belfast.

Luke Perry's Wings And Scrubs can be seen at Lightwoods Park, close to the corner of Galton Road and Hagley Road.

Lightwoods Park is home to the Grade II listed Lightwoods House and tea room, The Shakespeare Garden, and Lightwoods Bandstand.

For more information on the park, see:

- lightwoodsparkandhouse.co.uk/

- facebook.com/LightwoodsParkandHouse/

- www.sandwell.gov.uk/lightwoodspark



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