Kirklees College has unveiled a new statue at its Huddersfield Engineering Centre to mark the culmination of its 200th anniversary celebrations.
The statue, which was unveiled in the reception area, is a 21st century re-imagining of Athena and Nike, classical figures symbolising wisdom, craftsmanship, knowledge and victory.
Athena – goddess of handicrafts and learning – pays a fitting tribute to one of the college’s founding technical education institutes, Batley Weaving School.
Nike is the Greek goddess of victory, a representation of the victories of every student who leaves college empowered and transformed.
The artwork was created using digital modelling and advanced fabrication techniques in collaboration with Kirklees College staff, blending tradition and innovation, past, present and future.
It was created in collaboration with artist Zachary Eastwood-Bloom, a former Kirklees College student.
Using the college’s 3D printed facilities, engineering tutors spent 86 hours printing the statue, and assembled the parts.
In his speech at the unveiling event, the college’s principal Palvinder Singh said: “It’s an honour to stand here with a community rooted in such a rich and remarkable history.
“I’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year’s celebrations – our dedicated staff, our talented students and our ever-supportive alumni.
“Your energy and commitment have made this bicentenary truly memorable.
“To mark this special occasion, we had the privilege of collaborating with one of our own alumni, the artist Zachary Eastwood-Bloom, to create something truly unique.
“Zachary worked closely with two brilliant members of our engineering team, Josh and Dan, blending creativity with technical expertise.”
The event concluded with staff and alumni being invited to explore an exhibition which put together the college’s archive materials, and told the story of its history as recounted in its anniversary book, published earlier this year.
To find out more about Kirklees College, visit www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk.
Engineering students at Kirklees College help produce 3D printed model of canal towpath
