Ironbridge Open Air Museum of Steel Sculpture, Shropshire

Background information
The Museum Trust's objective is to"advance the education of the public by the creation and maintenance of an open air museum situated near Ironbridge, Shropshire, for the purpose of exhibiting sculpture created by Roy Kitchin, together with Iron and Steel sculpture created by other artists whose work reflects the industrial heritage associated with Ironbridge and the establishment and maintenance of a centre for the study and creation of iron and steel sculpture". The work of 11 different artists is on display with around 60 sculptures in iron and steel sympathetically placed to harmonise with natural surroundings

and it is thought to be the only museum of its kind in the world. Situated in the singular district of Coalbrookdale designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a perfect location for a museum dedicated to steel sculpture. Sculptures are displayed through 10 acres of superbly diverse landscape; some almost hidden amongst broadleaf woodland, others sit out upon open rolling grassland or in intimate enclosures.The experience is one of exploration and on walking through this remarkable place hints glimpsed through foliage will draw the visitor on to discover more sculptures. Occasionally you may find sculptors at work - renovating, installing additions or fabricating new sculptures on site. Visitors can experience the harmonious

relationship between the structural

characteristics of the sculptures and their organic surroundings: a sunny spring morning throws them into crisp relief, midsummer showers make them glisten, late autumn will cast their long shadows over the landscape.