Return of statue commemorating Barnsley's mining heritage celebrated

A ceremony to mark the return of a piece of artwork which commemorates Barnsley's mining heritage took place in the town centre earlier today (Thursday 28 August). 

The statue, designed by artist Kenny Hunter, shows a child standing on top of a six-metre column which represents the Barnsley seam of coal and is surrounded by commemorative paving including a list of mines engraved in Yorkstone. 

Originally installed in 2012, it was put into secure storage at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2020 during the construction of The Glass Works to protect it from damage. In the meantime, the statue has been rewaxed and the paving cleaned for the reinstatement. 

The statue now stands by the Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge with the child facing Oakwell, the home of Barnsley Football Club. 

The ceremony to celebrate the return of the artwork included a performance from the Made2Measure brass band with representatives from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), who contributed to the funding for the statue, in attendance. 

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It's fantastic to see this fabulous piece of art back in place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. 

“It's an important and touching reminder of our town's coal mining heritage while also adding to our cultural landscape and portfolio of public art. 

“Our thanks go to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park for taking good care of the statue over the past few years.” 

Kenny Hunter added: “I’m delighted that the Barnsley boy has now returned. 

“He has been carefully restored and reinstalled in a very prestigious and prominent position in the town centre. Hopefully from up there he can watch the football on a Saturday.”