Pithead recreated to honour town miners

A 55ft high replica of a pithead has been unveiled in celebration of Black Country mining history.

The unique structure in Walsall is believed to be the biggest mining tribute in the world. It was unveiled on land off Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood, as part of a £40,000 public art scheme which was designed by Cradley Heath-born artist Luke Perry.

The pithead – a replica of winding gear from the colliery that stood close to the site – was just one of the artworks opened at the launch event on Saturday.

Otherworks unveiled include 25 life-size steel and brass figures of Walsall Wood people on the green, off Brooklands Road and a structure of a fisherman on a canal towpath near Walsall Wood Bridge.

One of the figures was modelled on well-known local man Geoff Woodward, known as 'the laird of Walsall Wood'.

Geoff was a well known figure in the town, often cycling around in a bright orange coat, and was a familiar face at Walsall Wood FC and St John's Church. The former engineer passed away two years ago aged 87.

His widow Betty Woodward, aged 85, of Holly Lane, said: "Luke came to see me because Geoff was so well known in the village .

"He had done a lot for the church and he did a lot with Walsall Wood Football Club.

"He was a fabulous man, he was a very modest man, but he was very well known. He used to ride about the village on his bike with a bright orange coat on and everybody knew him."

The couple met at at a dance at the Memorial Hall, were married for 59 years, and had four children and 11 grandchildren.

The art project has been funded by Walsall Council and carried out by Luke Perry's firm, Industrial Heritage Stronghold. Mr Perry joined the council's creative department to develop the plans after consultation with residents.