David Mahony of Birmingham-based practice PCPT is one of more than 80 volunteers transporting a 6m-tall Lady Godiva from Coventry to London by bicycle
The 5 tonne, moveable puppet was funded by the Arts Council England as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad and attracted the involvement of local engineers, artists and designers keen to honour the Midland’s reputation for engineering and manufacturing.
Mahoney said the time was right for Godiva’s resurrection: ‘It’s a regional initiative that makes you think about people, place and past and it’s attracting huge interest.’
PCPT, who worked on the masterplan for the regeneration of Far Gosford Street in Coventry, said: ‘Our whole concept for Far Gosford Street is about making a creative place so it’s good to see local art groups coming up with such an exciting concept and one that has engaged all of the participants at the highest level.’
A convoy of 25 linked bicycles will carry the artwork on a 6-leg cycle route from Coventry to the capital. Once there, Godiva will represent the region at the London 2012 festival.
Celebrations began outside Coventry Cathedral last Saturday and will continue in Milton Keynes, Luton and Hatfield until the puppet reaches its destination Waltham Forest on Sunday.
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