Steel cyclists ‘race’ the roads of Dorking every day
Heather Burrell with the distinctive sculpture in her studio - Credit: N/A
Two striking cyclists frozen in time dominate the Denbies roundabout, just north of Dorking.
The striking sculpture in situ - Credit: N/A
Originally published in Surrey Life magazine September 2015
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Originally designed to celebrate the 2012 Olympics, which saw the cyclists zooming through the area in the road races, this distinctive steel sculpture has become an important symbol of the town, firmly placing the Surrey Hills on the map in the world of cycling.
Entitled simply Race, the structure was designed and constructed by Heather Burrell, an artist from South London with over 25 years’ experience in creating public works of art.
“The sculpture comprises two larger-than-life steel cyclists positioned neck to neck,” she explains. “In order to give these cyclists a sharp and well-defined outline,
I fabricated these as silhouettes, laser-cutting them in 10mm, mild steel sheet.
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“I also wanted to incorporate an oak leaf feature, as it has a direct reference to the Mole Valley coat of arms. Hence, the shirts of each cyclist are made from oak leaf patterns – a theme that is echoed in the wheels – and this helps to connect the sculpture with the beautiful surrounding countryside of Box Hill and the Denbies Wine Estate.”
The huge success of the 2012 Olympics has seen an influx in cyclists visiting the area, whether to follow in the cycle tracks of the Olympians or simply enjoy the stunning countryside of the Surrey Hills.
• For more on the work of Heather Burrell, visit her website at heatherburrell.co.uk
