UK City of Culture: Hull unveils giant 'Blade' wind turbine art installation
AN ART installation made from a gigantic wind turbine blade has been unveiled as part of Hull’s year as UK City of Culture.
Traffic lights and lampposts had to be removed so the turbine could be moved
The 250ft-long rotor blade weighs 28 tons – approximately the same as four adult male elephants.
“Blade” was designed by artist Nayan Kulkarni and built in Hull’s new Siemens factory. Siemens has invested £170million in the city, where it is developing offshore wind turbines.
Hull begins 2017 as UK City of Culture with fireworks display
The turbine was unveiled as part of Hull's year as City of Culture
It might remind you of a giant sea creature
More than 50 traffic lights and lampposts had to be removed as the artwork travelled through the streets to Queen Victoria Square.
The blade was installed across the square, forcing passers-by to stop, change direction and take a look.
It rises to over 16ft at its tip – allowing double-decker buses to pass beneath it.
Hull has struggled since the 1970 Cod Wars with Iceland
Martin Green, chief executive of Hull 2017, said: “It’s a structure we would normally expect to see out at sea.
“It might remind you of a giant sea creature, which seems appropriate with Hull’s maritime history.”
Hull has struggled since the 1970s following the loss of its primary industry during the Icelandic Cod Wars, but becoming UK City of Culture has given it a chance to make a resurgence.