Reach for the Stars Sculpture

Did the Earth move for you in 2021? Because for Edinburgh Park, it certainly did. The Reach for the Stars sculpture arrived. This 30-foot bronze behemoth, the brainchild of Kenneth Armitage, landed with a resounding thud, thanks to a giant crane. Reach for the Stars isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a statement. The final statement, in fact, of the late, great British sculptor. Armitage, a Yorkshireman born in 1916, wasn’t just playing with bronze; he was shaping the very landscape of modern sculpture. His works, often large and semi-abstract, pulsate with movement. They capture energy in a way few artists can. This particular piece depicts a hand, shaped like a star. The supporting arm is a curious blend of human and architectural, blurring the lines between what is natural and what is constructed. Reach for the Stars is part of a larger vision for Edinburgh Park, a £500 million development aiming to be more than just offices and homes. It wants to be a cultural hub. Parabola, the developers, envisioned an area brimming with art. They’re not just reaching for the stars; they’re bringing established artistic giants down to earth. Alongside Armitage, you’ll find works by Eduardo Paolozzi, Brian Kneale, Geoffrey Clarke, William Tucker, and Bruce Beasley. Reach for the Stars is more than just a photo opportunity. It’s a testament to the power of art. It is a beacon, welcoming visitors arriving by tram, road, and rail. It is an invitation. What are you waiting for? Reach for the stars.