Factory Girls, 2011 (refurbished 2024)
Between 2010 and 2011, I made and installed Factory Girls, a project commissioned by The Lowry, Salford. The work consists of three life-size figures cast in iron and colour-coded in vitreous enamel, referencing Salford Quays' industrial heritage and the contributions of female factory workers at Metropolitan Vickers during the Second World War.
Once the largest factory in Western Europe, Metropolitan Vickers played a crucial role in electrical engineering, and the figures' forms are inspired by products manufactured there. Each enamelled figure—Doreen, Margaret, and Edie—is named after a former employee. Their colours and distinctive forms reflect the wartime era and the vital role these women played in the war effort.
Due to repair work being undertaken in their original location, the girls needed to be moved. Thanks to Catherine Brereton, who works as part of the regeneration development team at Salford City Council, and Kate Charnock, who was instrumental in the work being refurbished, the sculptures have been restored to their original state and reinstalled in a different part of Salford Quays.
It’s a fantastic feeling to see the work refreshed and looking splendid after 14 years.
I have very fond memories of my time working in Salford with the team at The Lowry, and it’s wonderful to see Factory Girls given new life in the city of Salford.
Location – Salford Quays, Salford
Materials – Cast Iron and Powder Coating