Public Art Sculpture, Bowling Green, Strabane

Image: © Kenneth Allen Taken: 15 Jan 2008

It is located in one corner of the Bowling Green car-park. A creation by Bob Sloan forms a central part of an environmental enhancement scheme at Strabane's Bowling Green and consists of original sandstone taken from the old flood wall which was replaced after succumbling to the power of the River Mourne during a severe flood in 1987. Carved at the centre of the frieze are two motifs which symbolize the core essence of Strabane itself: The first depicts the ferry across the River Mourne which was extablished on 26 July 1629 by the Hamilton family who were principal landlords at the time of Strabane. The second motif in a castle turret represents the three castles which once dotted the local landscape. These motifs can also be found on the Strabane District Council Crest. Moving outwards from these central motifs are six individual bronze plaques cut into the sandstone at intermittent points, containing information on some of Srabane's most influential sons and daughters: George Sigerson, Sir Guy Carleton, Woodrow Wilson, John Dunlap, Brian O'Nolan and Cecil Frances Alexander. These interpretative panels and their outward movement from the core motifs represent a parting of ways from Strabane towards the wider world.

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