Derry’s factory girls sculptures set in place ahead of unveiling early next year

Derry City and Strabane District Council welcomed the arrival of the factory girls sculpture when it set in place this week as part of the ongoing works taking place as part of the Harbour Square Public Realm Project.

The sculpture, created by artist Chris Wilson, consists of three anthropomorphic bell shaped forms with nighttime illumination.

Exciting times as the Factory Girls sculptures arrive in Harbour Square today as part of the ongoing public realm works.

The sculptures are being put in place by contractors today and will be unveiled once the works are completed early next year. pic.twitter.com/YEzTKKwLCm

— Derry Strabane Cncl (@dcsdcouncil) December 10, 2024

The design is based on the shapes of spools of thread as used in the shirt factory. The sculptures are currently wrapped and will be unveiled once the public realm works are completed early next year.

Supported by the Department for Communities and Derry City and Strabane District Council, this exciting project will transform the Harbour Square, Custom House Street, Guildhall Street, Whittaker Street, and Foyle Embankment off Derry’s city centre and riverfront area. Works have been ongoing since the summer and it is hoped they will be completed early next year.

The Factory Girls Artwork to celebrate local shirt factory workers and the important role they played in the city and district’s cultural, heritage and economic history, is a key element of this project.

The new artwork by artist Chris Wilson commissioned to celebrate the industrial heritage of the city and acknowledge the significant role played by the women who worked in its factories.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said it was exciting to see the artwork arriving in the city and she looked forward to seeing it being unveiled next year.