Striking new addition to Station Art Park
As part of our IC ART programme, HDT produce original 2D & 3D art pieces that reflect the district’s former industries to bring the heritage of the area to life. The pieces are all original and quirky and this one is no exception!
The latest addition to be installed on Station Park at Irlam Station is a 3D sculpture that gives a nod to ‘The Hulme Patent Advertising Match
Company’. Constructed by HDT’s Chair Neil McArthur and painted by artist Rachelle, the giant matchbox and matches are 20 times the actual size and stand tall and proud for all to see.
One of the earliest factories to be built after the advent of the Manchester Ship Canal, the Match Works once had rail sidings to the west of Irlam Station to bring giant tree trunks to the factory which were then used to manufacture matches and wooden baskets. Fortunately, HDT were able to source our wood locally from Benchmark , who kindly donated the wood for the giant matches!
T
he Match Works went into production in 1904. Starting up as the Hulme Patent Advertising Match Company, the company was noted for the brightness and cleanliness of the work rooms and operatives. In 1909 an Act of Parliament was passed to prevent matches being made or sold in this country which included white phosphorus in them. The Match Works was the first to adopt a system of match making that was not only non poisonous to the operative but also to the user as well.
The art piece is a fantastic representation of the original advertising matches. To see it and other quirky art pieces close up, visit Irlam Station and take a short stroll to the Stations Art Park. The Station House is a fascinating heritage hub and this, along with the station’s surrounding environment, contains a wealth of interesting history of Irlam and Cadishead in the form of artefacts, large scale rail displays, 2D art and an unmissable Signal Box and Signal Yard display.
All heritage exhibits are FREE to see, so make sure you pop down to the station soon….. enjoy!
Posted on: 12th May 2021