The metal horse on the towpath

Impressive sculpture made from horseshoes reflects heritage of Swansea Canal

Ollie Holman unveils his latest equine artwork at Swansea Canal's Clydach Lock.

A decorative sculpture of a boat horse, made entirely from 800 redundant horseshoes, has been unveiled on the Swansea Canal. 

This crafty artwork was created by Ollie Holman, a sculptor specialising in equine statues made of various materials. Positioned by Clydach Lock, the lifesized model is meant to echo the canal’s heritage when horses were used to tow boats, up to the mid-20th century. 

Swansea Council commissioned Ollie to create the piece as part of the Welsh government’s Active Travel Placemaking. The concept is to add interesting, historical references along sections of previously completed travel routes. This is the first of four pieces of artwork that will be placed along routes in the city - the others will be announced soon. Around a mile of canal has now been restored in the area, including a cycle-quality towpath. 

The Yorkshire-based artist said the canal connection had special meaning to him: …