A NEW piece of artwork commemorating the work of inventor Abraham Darby the First has been unveiled in his birthplace, Wrens Nest, Woodsetton.

The project which was started by residents and community groups in Woodsetton four years ago stands proudly at the junction on Sedgley Road and Birmingham New Road.

The sculpture has been designed by Dudley Council’s borough artist, Steve Field. It stands 3.9m high and is made, fittingly, of iron and steel.

Dudley News: Left to right) - Elaine Bouckley, of the Friends of Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve; Harry Brookes and Don Davies, of the Woodsetton Charitable Trust; and councillor Simon Phipps,cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise at Dudley Council.Left to right) - Elaine Bouckley, of the Friends of Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve; Harry Brookes and Don Davies, of the Woodsetton Charitable Trust; and councillor Simon Phipps,cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise at Dudley Council.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration said: “This sculpture which has been commissioned and supported by local community groups, donors and businesses is a striking tribute to this extraordinary man who played such an important role in the development of the Black Country as a key player in the Industrial Revolution.

“The fact that so many community groups and local businesses came together to help make this project happen shows that collaboration and community spirit continues to flourish in the Black Country.”

The project was commissioned by Woodsetton Charitable Trust, and the Friends of Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, with £8000 funding from three of Dudley Council’s community forums.

Woodsetton Charitable Trust committee member, Keiran Casey, said: "This has been a fantastic community project right from the start and I've been blown away by the help and support that we have received.

"We've been working hard to keep pushing this along with lots of hurdles to overcome along the way, and now we can finally see this finished taking pride of place in our community.

"I started this project when I was the local councillor for the area alongside local residents and community groups and I'm so very grateful to everyone for their help and support.

"I hope that everyone agrees this is a fitting tribute and something that will act as a lasting reminder of the contribution that local people and our area has made to our region and the country as a whole, something we must always remember."

Paul Floyd, friend of Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, said: “The Friends of Wrens Nest are delighted to have been involved in this fantastic project. Abraham Darby I – The Father of the Global Industrial revolution was born on the site now occupied by Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve.

“His memorial is worthy of such an important man who lived in our area and changed our world in such a positive way forever.”