Diggers
The Highley Initiative are currently seeking funding to complete this last piece of the tryptich ‘Seams Of Time’ Sculpture Trail

Description: A 2m high, cast bronze torso of a miner pushes himself out of the ground. As you approach the torso, in the sloping ground beyond, thelegs of another miner are seen as he disappears into the ground, a lamp by his side. Close by are the hind legs of a badger who is also burrowing into the ground. Th three cast bronze figures are set into a sculpted concrete and quarry stone (from the Highley quarry) which also acts as a plinth bonding the figures together.

Symbolism: This location is in proximity to the Highley Shaft which served as the ‘air intake’ and escape route in case of fire or emergency. This is symbolised by the figure as he emerges out of the ground, a slight smile, glad to breath the air and see the light. During the consultation the locals of Highley told me there were secret tunnels connecting the Vicarage with other parts of Highley. A second miner is seen disappearing into the mysterious ground, who knows where he will emerge.
Shropshire is a Badger Watch area. I am intrigued by the connections between badgers and miners – both are an endangered species and both aptly suited for the purposes of digging and spending vast amounts of time underground. With regards to the badger’s family and social life, it is not too dissimilar from the human community. Also, linguistic experts have speculated that from the 1800’s the word Badger may have originated from the French word ‘becheur’ which means digger. The badger’s presence in this piece is also intentional for the reason that children can relate to the sculpture – the badger often features in children’s stories and folklore – whilst also highlighting the plight of this species.