Post by proud visitor on Mar 9, 2004 11:43:01 GMT -5
A MODERN version of Stonehenge could be built on the banks of the Mersey as part of Wirral's contribution to Liverpool's Capital of Culture celebrations.
It is hoped the tide-powered moon clock, made completely of glass, could become a huge tourist attraction.
The feature would be visible from the Liverpool side of the river and has been designed by artist Laura Williams, who has already received praise from illustrious names including astronomer Patrick Moore.
Known as the Aluna project, the design has three concentric rings made from glass measuring 50 metres wide (164ft) and rising up to six-storeys high. Embedded in the glass are thousands of small light emitting diodes (LEDs) which illuminate it.
Powered by the waves, different parts of the artwork light up according to the phases of the moon. It will also display the lunar day and the tidal changes.
The project has been presented to senior figures at Wirral Council who have said they are giving the project "broad support", although they have stressed the project is in its early stages.
Howard Mortimer, the leader of Wirral Council's special initiatives team, said the scheme needed some detailed feasibility work before it could go ahead.
Locations for the project are currently being looked at, but one of the leading contenders is near Seacombe Ferry, although there are a number of issues still to overcome. The size of the sculpture means it would take about an acre of land.
Ms Williams, 32, who is a graduate of St Martin's College and lives in London, said: "It is about our perception of time. We are so concentrated on saving fractions of time and Aluna looks at big time and big space.
"Everybody went crazy for the eclipse in 1999 and it made me realise how the moon means something to everybody.
"There has been international interest but Merseyside struck a real chord, particularly because of the location on the banks of the Mersey. I'm incredibly excited about it."
It is hoped that along with the International Space and Astronomy Centre planned for Seacombe, Aluna will act as a catalyst for the public understanding of science and highlight the direct relationship between the moon, the tides and Merseyside's maritime history.
It is hoped the tide-powered moon clock, made completely of glass, could become a huge tourist attraction.
The feature would be visible from the Liverpool side of the river and has been designed by artist Laura Williams, who has already received praise from illustrious names including astronomer Patrick Moore.
Known as the Aluna project, the design has three concentric rings made from glass measuring 50 metres wide (164ft) and rising up to six-storeys high. Embedded in the glass are thousands of small light emitting diodes (LEDs) which illuminate it.
Powered by the waves, different parts of the artwork light up according to the phases of the moon. It will also display the lunar day and the tidal changes.
The project has been presented to senior figures at Wirral Council who have said they are giving the project "broad support", although they have stressed the project is in its early stages.
Howard Mortimer, the leader of Wirral Council's special initiatives team, said the scheme needed some detailed feasibility work before it could go ahead.
Locations for the project are currently being looked at, but one of the leading contenders is near Seacombe Ferry, although there are a number of issues still to overcome. The size of the sculpture means it would take about an acre of land.
Ms Williams, 32, who is a graduate of St Martin's College and lives in London, said: "It is about our perception of time. We are so concentrated on saving fractions of time and Aluna looks at big time and big space.
"Everybody went crazy for the eclipse in 1999 and it made me realise how the moon means something to everybody.
"There has been international interest but Merseyside struck a real chord, particularly because of the location on the banks of the Mersey. I'm incredibly excited about it."
It is hoped that along with the International Space and Astronomy Centre planned for Seacombe, Aluna will act as a catalyst for the public understanding of science and highlight the direct relationship between the moon, the tides and Merseyside's maritime history.