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The Big Picture - Celebrating cloth

Families Community
A new sculpture in Halifax celebrates the importance of play and the children who worked in the textile industry.
The sculptures are accompanied by a programme of events for all ages
The sculptures are accompanied by a programme of events for all ages

Artist Alice Irwin has transformed the courtyard at Halifax’s Piece Hall into a playground for nine larger-than-life figures, ranging from five to nine feet tall, acknowledging the families who helped place Halifax on the world stage for cloth production. 

An exhibition, events and activities programme for all ages will accompany the People Play sculptures.

Ms Irwin said, ‘On the one hand, we’re creating an unusual playground. At the same time, we’re recognising the roles that families and communities have played in the various stages of the cloth trade and the impact on wider society. I’m really looking forward to seeing how everyone reacts, and interacts, with it.’ 

The sculptures will be exhibited until 1 June.