The Kelpies are a pair of monumental steel horse-heads between the Scottish towns ofFalkirk andGrangemouth. They stand next to theM9 motorway and form the eastern gateway of theForth and Clyde Canal, which meets theRiver Carron here. Each head is 30 metres (98 ft) high.
The sculptures, which representkelpies, were designed by sculptorAndy Scott and were completed in October 2013.[1] An unveiling ceremony took place in April 2014.[2] Around the sculptures is an area of parkland known asThe Helix.
The name was chosen byScottish Canals at the inception of The Helix project in 2005,[3] to reflect themythological transforming beasts possessing the strength and endurance of ten horses.The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges, and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of the Falkirk area.[4]
According to sculptorAndy Scott, "The original concept of mythical water horses was a valid starting point for the artistic development of the structures."[5] He also said that he "took that concept and moved with it towards a more equine and contemporary response, shifting from any mythological references towards a socio-historical monument intended to celebrate the horse's role in industry and agriculture as well as the obvious association with the canals as tow horses".[5] In 2008 Scott created three-metre (10') high miniature versions in hisGlasgow studio. These were then scanned by lasers to help the steel fabricators create accurate full-scale components.[6]
According to Scott the end result would be "[w]ater-borne, towering gateways into The Helix, the Forth and Clyde Canal and Scotland, translating the legacy of the area into proud equine guardians".[7]
During the first year following the opening, nearly one million people visited the sculptures.[8]
The first routine maintenance and cleaning was carried out by a high-wire team in the summer of 2017.[9]
Another view showing its hollow cladding and canal basin
Built of structural steel with a stainless steel cladding,The Kelpies are 30 metres (100') high and weigh 300 tonnes each. Construction began in June 2013 and was complete by October 2013. A topping out ceremony was held on 27 November 2013.[10]The Kelpies are positioned either side of a specially constructed lock and basin, part of the redeveloped Kelpies Hub. The forms are inspired by Clydesdale (draught) horses.[11]
In March 2024, Yorkshire-based SH Structures, responsible for the steelwork ofThe Kelpies, went into administration.[12]
There are two sets of 1:10 scalemaquettes. These have been displayed locally, nationally, and internationally at events and locations includingEdinburgh Airport, the Field Museum inGrant Park, Chicago,The Falkirk Wheel, Expo 2011 (Aberdeen), Expo 2012 (Edinburgh) and Expo 2013 (Glasgow), BBC Scotland, Glasgow, Kirkcudbright Arts & Crafts Trail 2017, University of Glasgow, Sheffield International Steel Celebration, and later atBryant Park in New York.
Sculpted from steel thengalvanized using a hot dip process, theKelpie maquettes were welded by hand from small plates of steel.[13]
The Courier wrote that "Scots are being offered a tantalising glimpse of two staggering sculptures that will help transform the landscape of central Scotland."[15]
The Guardian reported that "They will create one of the most dramatic gateways through which to enter Britain".[16]
TheNew Civil Engineer website defined theKelpies as "one of Scotland’s most complex sculptures"[17]
Tiffany Jenkins onThe Scotsman wrote that "They are impressive, stunning even, and I think people will become attached to them and proud of them. Of course, they will not please everyone, but that it is not possible as no such art work exists".[19]
Jonathan Jones, writing inThe Guardian, described them as "the latest misbegotten 'masterpiece' of public art. It is big. It is bold. And it is rotten. [...] The Kelpies is just akitsch exercise in art 'for the people', carefully stripped of difficulty, controversy, and meaning."[20]
