A CEREMONY to mark the return of artwork dedicated to Barnsley’s mining heritage took place in the town centre yesterday.
The statue, designed by artist Kenny Hunter, shows a child standing on top of a column which represents the Barnsley seam of coal and is surrounded by commemorative paving including a list of mines engraved in Yorkstone.
It was originally installed in 2012 but was put into storage at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2020 during the construction of the Glass Works.
It has now been rewaxed and stands by the Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge, with the young child facing Oakwell.
Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton told the Chronicle: “It’s hugely important that we never forget our history or where we came from and this is the symbol in the town centre of that.
“So making sure that we brought that statue back, refurbished it, re-unveiled it, is a statement about us recognising how important our history was.
“It’s a big asset to the town centre in terms of its own regeneration, but it’s also pointing towards the future, which is why we’ve got a child on top of it and how we can continue to grow and develop Barnsley in the right way.
“It’s pointing towards Oakwell, another big asset in Barnsley that everybody values. For many things, the two big things people knew about Barnsley were the mining industry - but also the football club.
“Both of them bring the community together, so having that link between the two is hugely important, because, unlike mining, sadly, the football club continues to go on.
Artist Kenny added: “I’m delighted that the Barnsley boy has now returned.
“He has been carefully restored and reinstalled in a very prestigious and prominent position in the town centre.
“Hopefully from up there he can watch the football on a Saturday.”
The unveiling was a proud moment for the town - and for Steve personally.
He added: “My great, great, great grandfather, John Riley, walked to Barnsley from North Wales to get a job.
“He got a job down the pit and he became part of the mine’s rescue team at the Oaks Colliery.
“As we know, in 1866, the Oaks Colliery Disaster happened and the first rescue team that went down also got killed.
“He was down in the second rescue team, so we live and breathe that history as a family.
“I worked in the mining industry, so I want my kids and grandkids to have their own lives and futures.”
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “It’s fantastic to see this fabulous piece of art back in place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
“It’s an important and touching reminder of our town’s coal mining heritage while also adding to our cultural landscape and portfolio of public art.
“Our thanks go to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park for taking good care of the statue over the past few years.”
