Steely reserve

Sharu Delilkan | 11th March 2010

Jeff Thomson is looking forward to this weekend's unveiling of his sculptures at the new Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre.

Although not directly affected by the long delays caused by resource consent foul-ups and Environment Court appeals, the Helensville artist says he'll be pleased to celebrate with everyone else involved in the long, hard battle over the new centre.

His four sculptures, one in the park and three in the library, sponsored by North Shore Libraries Foundation, link the building to the surrounding reserve.

He says he  created a series of panels coming out of the pavement outside the library entrance with cut-out words and phrases of significance to local people.

Accustomed to working with hefty materials, Thomson did, nevertheless, have to adjust his methods for this commission.

"I usually work with corrugated iron, so working with 16mm-thick steel meant having to use forklifts and cranes to move them."

Working with the heavier material has brought benefits. "I'm now set up with the equipment to work  on more public projects."

Official opening, Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre, cnr Rawene Rd and Hinemoa St, Mar 13, 10am onwards.