The Kelpies

**David** · 22nd June 14, 02:08 PM

We took a trip to see The Kelpies at Falkirk/Grangemouth today. Ii had seen them in the passing form the motorway, and they were impressive form that perspective. Up close they appear to be alive.

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**chasem** · 22nd June 14, 05:34 PM

That first picture is almost creepy! I like it though - good pictures.

**SeumasA** · 22nd June 14, 06:51 PM

Nice pics. I've heard of the project and wondered how they turned out.

**mookien** · 23rd June 14, 02:14 PM

Nice sculptures! They certainly fit the environment, with the exception of the power lines. They should bury those underground. That would probably cost a few bob, though.

**David** · 23rd June 14, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by mookien

Nice sculptures! They certainly fit the environment, with the exception of the power lines. They should bury those underground. That would probably cost a few bob, though.

The towers were a bit annoying in the pics. But when i thought about it, the whole surrounding area is highly industrialised. Despite how it looks in the pictures there is a motorway (freeway?) separating the Helix Park / Kelpies area from Grangemouth refinery, the chemical plants, warehousing and distribution areas, etc, etc. I suppose in this context the towers and power lines are in keeping with the area; and a contrast to the natural element of the Kelpies and complimentary to the material and construction methods used in constructing the Kelpies.

**mookien** · 24th June 14, 03:17 PM

"Highly industrialized". Well then, perhaps that explains their metal skin and their apparent struggle to wrest themselves free from a pastoral legacy and gallop off into a mechanized future, ... or some other such rubbish.

**tulloch** · 25th June 14, 02:12 PM

God they are beautiful. I hope to see them myself some day. Maybe when they are more weathered.

**Lodrorigdzin** · 25th June 14, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by mookien

"Highly industrialized". Well then, perhaps that explains their metal skin and their apparent struggle to wrest themselves free from a pastoral legacy and gallop off into a mechanized future, ... or some other such rubbish.

From Wikipedia's entry:

"According to sculptor Andy Scott "The original concept of mythical water horses was a valid starting point for the artistic development of the structures."^[7] “I 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.”