Models of Largest Equine Sculptures in the World Unveiled in NYC

NEW YORK – March X, 2014 – Two 15-foot-high steel models for the largest equine sculptures in the world were unveiled in Bryant Park on Friday, March 2st1 as part of the launch of Scotland Week in New York City. The larger-than-life installation, known as The Kelpies, have been created by Scotland’s leading public artist Andy Scott.

Creating a majestic, awe-inspiring atmosphere in Bryant Park, The Kelpies are the original 1:10 scale design models of Andy’s 100-foot-tall sculptures located in the heart of the new 900-acre Helix Parkland in Falkirk, central Scotland.

With one horse rearing up and the other at rest, a dramatic sense of motion is created. The sculptures are made from hundreds of small pieces of steel plate painstakingly welded to create the forms. The Kelpies were then galvanized, a process that involves dipping the sculptures in baths of molten zinc. The full scale sculptures are the largest equine sculptures in the world.

Inspiration for this work came from the Clydesdale horses that, for centuries, pulled boats and cargo along the towpaths of the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals in Scotland.

Artist Andy Scott said:

“The Kelpies began their US tour in summer of 2012 in Chicago, then to Indiana, and it is with great pleasure that I debut them in New York City at Bryant Park. I am honored to take part in a celebration of Scotland’s innovation and creativity during Scotland Week this April.”

“We have received tremendous support from the Bryant Park Corporation, The City of New York Parks and Recreation, the American-Scottish Foundation and the Scottish Government to get the scale models on show in Bryant Park, and I am confident they will help put Scotland, and the Helix project, firmly on the map – not only for resident New Yorkers, but for the many thousands of international visitors to the city.”

The Kelpies trumpets the arrival of Scotland Week in April [#ScotWeek] which comprises a diverse program of Scottish-inspired events and activities that showcase the very best of Scottish culture.

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, said:

“The Kelpies creatively illustrate how inspiration can be drawn from Scotland’s history and heritage to exhibit a modern piece of art. As we approach Scotland Week, we’re proud to bring a touch of Scotland to central Manhattan.”

The Kelpies will be on Fountain Terrace in Bryant Park from March 21 through April 22. Bryant Park can be accessed between 40th and 42nd Streets, and 5th and 6th Avenues.

Dan Biederman, President of Bryant Park Corporation, said:

“It is a great pleasure to work with the American Scottish Foundation and the Scottish Government to host these sculptures and the week of special performances around them in Bryant Park. The park is one of the busiest public spaces in the world and a perfect location for showcasing arts and culture.”

Alan L. Bain, Chairman of the American-Scottish Foundation, stated:

“When we first met with Andy Scott in Bryant Park a year ago, this was the vision and hope and now through the efforts of so many The Kelpies are here with us in New York.”

“This has been a terrific collaboration of so many led from the team at Falkirk Council, Scottish Canals and all at the Helix project to the great support of Bryant Park, New York City Parks and the Monuments.”

For more information on Scotland Week – http://www.scotland.org/scotlandweek

For more information on The Kelpies – www.thekelpies.co.uk

About The Kelpies in Bryant Park

The program of events around The Kelpies in Bryant Park includes:

Friday, April 4-

12.30 to 1.30 pm. Glasgow Music and Fashion: Hannah Read & Friends – Music together with Iona Crawford.

Saturday, April 5-

11.45am – The Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch

12.00pm – Bonnie Brae Knights

12.30pm – Shamrock and Thistle Pipe Band

Sunday, April 6-

12:30 – 1:30 PM – Tartan Day Observance

New York Metro Pipe Band

The Highland Divas and Special Guests

3.00pm – Andy Scott talk on his Kelpies inspiration

Monday, April 7-

12.30pm – Morrison Academy Band

Tuesday, April 8-

12:30pm – 1:30 PM

Music & Song of Scotland

(Voice) Maureen McMullan, Artist-in-Residence, The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA

(Fiddle) Hannah Read

(Keyboard) Neil Pearlman