A sculpture created by artistic apprentices from Staffordshire-based PM Training has started a three-week journey to London to join the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
Regeneration specialist St. Modwen commissioned the sculpture of a swan, which has boarded a canal boat and will join around 1,000 boats from across the UK as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant along the Thames.
The two-foot high steel swan is currently travelling on President, the world’s only surviving steam powered canal narrow boat, which will be representing Staffordshire on the Thames on June 3.
President, which is usually housed in the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, kicked off its canal journey to the capital on Friday 20 April, starting at Etruria Industrial Museum, in Stoke-on-Trent.
Regeneration specialist St. Modwen is a principal sponsor of President alongside Michelin, Wedgwood and JCB and each of the four companies were invited to put something significant on-board.
St. Modwen regional director Mike Herbert explained: “The sculpture represents the swan in St. Modwen’s logo. With Staffordshire’s heritage rooted in industry, we thought it would be a good idea to ask apprentices at PM Training to make the swan for us.
“They did a great job and once the pageant is over we shall put the swan on display in a suitable location in the county.”
Will Nixon, Chief Executive of Enterprising Futures, the social enterprise arm of the Aspire Group, said: “I’m proud that our apprentices were asked to create a piece of work that will be part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
“It will be wonderful to see the narrow boat in its full splendour, representing Staffordshire, knowing that the work has helped keep young people in training.”
St. Modwen, JCB, Michelin and Wedgwood were chosen as the principal sponsors of the Staffordshire entry to join the royal pageant as the four companies represent key aspects of Staffordshire industry and business.
Staffordshire County Councillor Pat Corfield, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Customers, said: "It is a thrill and an honour for Staffordshire to be able to play such a significant part in the national Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
“It will be a central event, broadcast live across the world and I am delighted that Staffordshire will be so well represented."
