Helix 25 February 2020
Scotland's Kelpie Maquettes come home
Following more than 6 years of international globe “trotting” taking in visits to New York, Chicago, Milan and London. The original 1:10 scale maquettes designed by sculptor Andy Scott will return to the Helix Park, Falkirk on Monday 24 February and for the first time will meet the full size 30m high sculptures on site.
Following more than 6 years of international globe “trotting” taking in visits to New York, Chicago, Milan and London. The original 1:10 scale maquettes designed by sculptor Andy Scott will return to the Helix Park, Falkirk on Monday 24 February and for the first time will meet the full size 30m high sculptures on site.
During their world tour the maquettes sparked international recognition with in excess of 1 million visitors from around the globe coming to see them on their travels. They always spark interest wherever they go – Kirkcudbright Summer Arts & Crafts Trail said “..The maquettes will be long remembered and are sadly missed! We have had thousands of visitors and their visit was appreciated across the board.”
The world’s largest equine sculptures were completed in October 2013 and form a gateway at the eastern entrance of the Forth and Clyde canal, creating a stunning monument to horse-powered heritage across Scotland.
Large-scale Helix events such as the 2-day Fire and Light festival attract huge audiences from all over Scotland and beyond. The next major event, Canal Festival Time Machine on Sun 24 May is a signature event of the 2020 Year of Coast & Waters. The event is supported by Event Scotland and being run as a partnership programme by the Great Place Falkirk Scheme, the events team at the Helix, and Scottish Canals. The Festival will focus on a number of key sites and animation points along the Falkirk Canal corridor, including the renowned Helix Park and Kelpies, Lock 16, and the Falkirk Wheel. Some 15,000 people are expected to attend. The maquettes depart on Mon 25 May.
The Helix Park has also hosted events such as the Supernova 5k Run, Parkinson’s UK Walk, Falkirk Science Festival:STEM and Bliss Scotland Little Heroes Walk.
Ben Mardall, Team Leader said “The Helix team are thrilled to be hosting the maquettes at the Helix, the home of the Kelpies. This completes the story and phase one of the Helix journey, from the original inspiration, to the successful completion of this amazing ambitious project.
Later this year will be see our 5 millionth visitor which goes to demonstrate the wonderful impact the Helix Project has brought to the Falkirk region for the local communities and visitors.
The Helix guides are really excited to have the maquettes here and have embedded the story of the maquettes into their 30 minute guided tour, which is the only way visitors can actually go inside the Kelpies.
We encourage new and previous visitors alike to come along so they are able to appreciate the full scale of the Kelpies and the inspirational vision that lies at the heart of the Helix, home of the Kelpies”.
The maquettes were sculpted from steel then galvanized in a hot dip process, and welded by hand. For the duration of their visit, the maquettes will be located outside the Visitor Centre at the Helix.
VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “We are delighted to welcome the Kelpie maquettes back to their home at Helix Park following their worldwide adventure.
