The Channels Mammoth

Title

The Channels mammoth

Location

Channels Park

Artist

Michael Condron

Description

The sculpture embodies the colossal ice-age meltwaters that carried stone from across the country to the local area, where it is still quarried today.

The Steppe Mammoth rises out of the ground and is true size of a big Steppe at 4.5m. Its metalwork skin comprises of a stream of overlapping strips, inspired by the watercourses of a “braided” river system, which existed here during the periods of melt in the Ice Age. Stone from the nearby Bulls Lodge Quarry is used for its eyes and inside the body.

The completed artwork was the result of a steering group set up by the City Council, and led by the landscape architect BMD. The group included representatives from Ptarmigan, Cliffords Group, Marden Homes, Channels Residents Association, Croudace Residents Group, and a local geological society Geo-Essex. The artist carried out engagement with local schools, residents and the local parish councils as part of the design process.

The artist was commissioned by Chelmsford City Council in partnership with Ptarmigan Land.

Date

Unveiled September 2024