Horse sculptures installed on new roundabout
Cumberland CouncilTwo steel horse sculptures have been installed by a roundabout marking a milestone in the construction of a major new road.
The Mare and Foal have been put in place at Durbar Roundabout - part of the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) designed to relieve congestion in the city and connect the M6 to the A595.
The artwork is next to Carlisle Racecourse and is a celebration of the area's equestrian history.
Cumberland Council's executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, Denise Rollo, said the sculptures were a celebration of the region's "local heritage and strong rural identity".
"They showcase the talent of a local artist, create distinct landmarks for the new route and reflect the pride we have in our past and our ambitions for the future," she said.
The statues were created by artist Ellie Barden, weigh about four tonnes each and are made of weathered steel.
Cumberland CouncilCarlisle is home to the Carlisle Bell, a flat horse race which began in 1599 and is recognised as the world's oldest sporting trophy.
The Mare and Foal's design recognise this legacy and will act as a gateway to the St Cuthbert's Garden Village.
A second sculpture, The Limousin Bull, will also be installed at Brisco Roundabout.
It was inspired by Graiggoch Rambo a Limousin bull that sold for a world-record 180,000gn (£189,000) at Carlisle auction mart.
The council said the piece represents the county's "strength, resilience and world-class quality".
The bull sculpture proved controversial when it came to light it was to be installed near the home of a woman whose husband was trampled to death by cows.
