Parkway Man, Cast iron statue in Handsworth district, Sheffield, England
Parkway Man is a cast iron statue located in Handsworth, standing in Bowden Housteads Woods and depicting a shirtless figure holding a raised sledgehammer against woodland surroundings. The work towers above visitors and forms a striking landmark within the natural setting.
The statue was created in 2001 by artist Jason Thomson and cast by H.Downs & Sons Ltd. as part of Sheffield City Council's Fuelling a Revolution project. It was commissioned to commemorate the region's steel production heritage at this location.
The figure shows Sheffield's steel industry through its cast iron material and worker's pose, reminding travelers about the city's past connection to heavy manufacturing. People recognize this depiction as a visual link to the region's industrial roots.
The statue can be viewed from Sheffield Parkway while passing through, or accessed via public footpaths within the woodland for a closer look. Walking to the site gives you time to take in the surroundings properly.
The figure is cast from three tonnes of iron and known locally as Iron Henry, a name that has become common among people traveling through the area. For regular commuters on the Parkway, it serves as a familiar greeting when entering the city.
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