New Bottle Knot sculpture unveiled at Hunger Hill

The artwork was designed by artist Michael Condron and is made from thousands of overlapping segments of stainless steel that spiral around to form a giant rope knot. 

It also features internal LED lighting which illuminates the sculpture at night with light creeping through the gaps of its intricate metal surface.

The Bottle Knot sculpture at Hunger Hill, Poole

A piece of public art, the piece developed with extensive engagement with local historians, schools and Poole Museum. 

Michael Condron said: “It's so good to see the sculpture in where it belongs - up until a few weeks ago there's just been hundreds of massive and tiny components laid out all over my studio. It's overwhelming to see it all together at last.

“While I've been assembling the sculpture at Hunger Hill passers-by have been stopping to chat. Ideas for this public artwork began with conversations about Poole's people and history, and now it's in place, it’s great to know that these conversations are continuing.”

Michael Condron, artist, the Bottle Knot sculpture at Hunger Hill, Poole

The completed artwork marks the final milestone in BCP Council’s Townside and Hunger Hill infrastructure improvement scheme, which has already delivered a walking and cycling network on the townside of the Back Water channel and Holes Bay, between Poole Bridge and Hunger Hill. 

READ MORE: Poole's rope knot sculpture erected at Hunger Hill

READ MORE: Eight-metre high rope knot sculpture planned for Hunger Hill

The scheme began in 2018 following a public consultation on improving access between the port and town centre. Within this consultation residents requested more gateway features to create a unique identity for the area. 

To deliver the Townside Access improvement scheme, close to £10 million was awarded by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), from its Local Growth Fund. 

(L-R) Councillor Philip Broadhead, engineer Michael Hadley, artist Michael Condron, Rosie McNamara of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and Julian McLaughlin BCP service director at The Bottle Knot sculpture at Hunger Hill, Poole

From this fund, £450,000 was then allocated by BCP Council towards creating attractive public spaces.

Cecilia Bufton, Chair of Dorset LEP, added: “I am thrilled to see this wonderful new landmark, signifying the history and importance of the port and surrounding area.”

Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and Sustainability said: “It is a fascinating piece of art that will create a focal point for people travelling on foot or by bike, encouraging them to stop and explore the local area.”