Have you ever spotted this unusual sculpture in Chapel Bar? Have you ever spotted this unusual sculpture in Chapel Bar?
Have you ever spotted this unusual sculpture in Chapel Bar? | Nottingham World

5 of Nottingham's most bizarre statues and sculptures - and the meanings behind them

By Daniel DeFalco
Published 28th May 2024, 15:29 BST

How many of these have you walked past?

One of the great things about Nottingham is its quirky side. 

You know what we mean, those unique sights and smells that make you think: “Yep, I’m home”. 

From driving past the iconic Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station when returning from a holiday, to the unmistakable smell of Birds Bakery while walking through the city centre, there are certain things that you’ll always associate with this neck of the woods. 

Here at Nottingham World we love showing you some of the city’s more unusual spots - and many of them are to do with strange sculptures or statues. 

Whether it be the Sneinton Dragon or Hounds Gate Hound, over the past few months our pieces about these weird and wonderful creations have been well-received by readers. 

So, we thought we’d pick out five of the city’s most unusual sculptures and tell you the stories behind them. 

How many of these have you walked past?

This sculpture, located in Chapel Bar, is called the Quartet. Given its prominent city centre location, hundreds, if not thousands of people walk past the sculpture every day; many of whom are unlikely to even register its existence. But that element of invisibility chimes with the meaning behind the sculpture. Quartet was created by sculptor Richard Perry in 1986 after he was commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council, in conjunction with East Midlands Arts. The life-size group of four, positioned on a plinth, represent the daily passage of people through the city, based upon Perry’s observation of human behaviour.

1. The Quartet

This sculpture, located in Chapel Bar, is called the Quartet. Given its prominent city centre location, hundreds, if not thousands of people walk past the sculpture every day; many of whom are unlikely to even register its existence. But that element of invisibility chimes with the meaning behind the sculpture. Quartet was created by sculptor Richard Perry in 1986 after he was commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council, in conjunction with East Midlands Arts. The life-size group of four, positioned on a plinth, represent the daily passage of people through the city, based upon Perry’s observation of human behaviour. | Nottingham WorldPhoto: Nottingham World

Seen outside the Nottingham Playhouse, the Sky Mirror was unveiled in April 2001 thanks to a £900,000 grant by the National Lottery. At 6 metres wide and weighing nearly 10 tonnes, the Sky Mirror was made in Finland through a process of cold forging. The mirror's shiny surface creates an ever-changing reflection of its surroundings depending on who walks past and the time of day or year. As spring, summer, autumn and winter pass, the sculpture changes too.

2. Sky Mirror

Seen outside the Nottingham Playhouse, the Sky Mirror was unveiled in April 2001 thanks to a £900,000 grant by the National Lottery. At 6 metres wide and weighing nearly 10 tonnes, the Sky Mirror was made in Finland through a process of cold forging. The mirror's shiny surface creates an ever-changing reflection of its surroundings depending on who walks past and the time of day or year. As spring, summer, autumn and winter pass, the sculpture changes too. | Tom Courtney Photo: Tom Courtney

If you’ve ever reached the St Peters Square end of Hounds Gate, you may have noticed an unusual sculpture sitting (literally) at the bottom of a street sign. The metal sculpture, located just outside the Black’s clothing store, is of a small dog. As some of you may have twigged by now, the copper sculpture is in reference to the mutt’s position in Hounds Gate. It’s thought that Hounds Gate earned its name from once being the location of the Nottingham Castle kennels.

3. Hounds Gate Hound

If you’ve ever reached the St Peters Square end of Hounds Gate, you may have noticed an unusual sculpture sitting (literally) at the bottom of a street sign. The metal sculpture, located just outside the Black’s clothing store, is of a small dog. As some of you may have twigged by now, the copper sculpture is in reference to the mutt’s position in Hounds Gate. It’s thought that Hounds Gate earned its name from once being the location of the Nottingham Castle kennels. | Nottingham World Photo: Nottingham World

The Sneinton Dragon is hard to miss. Located on the corner of Manvers Street and Sneinton Hermitage, the huge metal sculpture certainly stands out. In 2006 Sneinton residents were asked by the Renewal Trust what sort of public artwork they would like to represent the area and its history. A survey was conducted and the overwhelming suggestion was a dragon.

4. Sneinton Dragon

The Sneinton Dragon is hard to miss. Located on the corner of Manvers Street and Sneinton Hermitage, the huge metal sculpture certainly stands out. In 2006 Sneinton residents were asked by the Renewal Trust what sort of public artwork they would like to represent the area and its history. A survey was conducted and the overwhelming suggestion was a dragon. | Zoe ClarkePhoto: Zoe Clarke

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