Malt Shovel, Steel sculpture at New Street and High Street intersection in Burton upon Trent, England.
The Malt Shovel is a stainless steel sculpture at the intersection of New Street and High Street, rising about 9 meters tall. The work features a bottle-shaped passage cut through its blade, allowing pedestrians to walk directly through the sculpture.
Artist Andrew Hazell created this steel sculpture in 1998 following a commission from East Staffordshire Borough Council, with funding from the National Lottery. The work was placed in the town center as part of the council's public art initiative.
The sculpture references a brewing tool that points to Burton upon Trent's long tradition as a beer-making center. This connection to the town's industrial heritage is visible in how the work sits among everyday shopping areas.
The sculpture stands at a major crossroads in the town center, making it simple to locate when exploring downtown. Access is free and unrestricted at all times, as the open passage allows foot traffic to flow through the work directly.
When the sculpture was completed, local reaction was mixed, with a Burton Mail poll revealing that most respondents had reservations about the work. Despite this initial skepticism, the installation has become a lasting fixture in the town center.
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