Sculptor ‘thrilled’ by award for statue of city’s Women of Steel

SHEFFIELD’S WOMEN of Steel statue has scooped a top national award.

The statue’s critically acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings won the Public Monuments and Sculpture Association Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture at an awards ceremony in London.

The statue, inset, was installed outside Sheffield City Hall in honour of all the women who worked bravely and tirelessly to keep England going during two world wars.

Mr Jennings, said: “I’m thrilled to have won.

“It stands as a tribute to the City Council who commissioned it, to the people of Sheffield and not least the women themselves who gave me so much inspiration.

“This project was very dear to my heart.

“I’m delighted that not only the monument itself but the historic achievement of all the Women of Steel has been given further national recognition.”

Following a campaign launched by Sheffield City Council, and spearheaded by four determined Women of Steel – Kathleen Roberts, Ruby Gascoigne, Dorothy Slingsby and Kit Sollitt – to create a lasting memorial, more than £150,000 was donated by members of the public.

Mr Jennings was selected by the four women to create a permanent sculpture and worked with them to design the preferred memorial.