University artists' football club sculpture unveiled

The installation at the club's Brunton Park ground, created by Paul Forsyth and Paul O'Donohoe, features three bronze effect football boots mounted on rising metal arcs, with a fourth arc left empty to represent the future.

Revealed prior to Carlisle United's match against Eastleigh, each boot is modelled on a different era. One reflects the club’s early years in 1904. Another marks the 1974 season when Carlisle played in the First Division.

The third recreates the boot worn by Jimmy Glass when he scored his famous last minute goal in 1999.

All three were cast using cold set resin with bronze powder to give the appearance of traditional bronze sculpture.

The arcs are arranged across a raised turf plinth to suggest movement and progression. The empty arc is included to symbolise hope, ambition and the achievements still to come.

The piece was a joint project between the club, supporters groups, and the University of Cumbria, who’s students and alumni provided creative direction and produced the piece.

Above: The bronze-effect 1999 boot worn by Jimmy Glass and a maquette of the Memory Garden sculpture

Graduate artist Paul Forsyth said: “We wanted to create something that was universal but also very specific to Carlisle that wasn’t a focus on a certain individual or team. Therefore we researched and have taken into account thoughts from fans and highlighted key times in the club's history. The final post without a boot on it purposely doesn't have anything on it because it stands for hope and we don’t know what happens in the future.

“This project has allowed us to take on everything that we learned as undergraduates, like techniques, researching materials. And, importantly, it has been a live project, with a real audience that we've been able to involve in the creation of this too. It has been great to create this tangible piece of work."

Fans have donated to a Crowdfunder towards the costs of producing it. Donations can still be made: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/memory-garden-remembrance-sculpture

The creation of the Memory Garden centrepiece is part or a wider partnership between the University of Cumbria and Carlisle United, which also includes student ticket schemes, an award-winning heritage project and sharing talents and resources.

Carlisle United's Chaplain Dave Allen, pictured right, who performed the unveiling on Saturday (15 Nov), said: “The third boot is from 1999 from the famous Jimmy Glass winner in injury time. On that boot is a little drip that’s going upwards, defying gravity.

“What that’s saying is that we are resilient as a club, and as a club we’ve come through some really difficult moments. The final plinth is one of hope, of what is to come, we hope that is filled with amazing glory days. This is a place that you as part of the club can come and remember.

Head of Marketing and Media at Carlisle United, Tom Little, said: “This piece reflects the history and spirit of Carlisle United. It connects important moments from our past with the optimism we all share for the future.

“We are very pleased to see it installed and to have supporters experience it first hand. The Memory Garden itself is well used by fans, and provides a unique tranquil and reflective space in the noise and energy of Brunton Park.”

The sculpture has been securely set in foundations beneath the turf in line with safety and Flood Agency requirements.

It will now form part of the garden, a spot for reflection for fans, families and visitors in the months and years ahead.

Above: John Notman, of the Carlisle United Heritage Group, with University of Cumbria's Paul Forsyth in the fine art studios of the Brampton Road campus ahead of the sculpture's installation