Shrewsbury’s proposed memorial for the Darwin bicentenary ‘Quantum Leap’ has been likened to dinosaur bones and DNA, the human backbone and the arches of bridges.
However else it’s interpreted, the creators of the sculpture are hoping it will enhance residents and visitors knowledge of Shropshire’s unique geological story.
Geology was Darwin’s main interest in his university years and his groundbreaking theory on evolution was supported by a growing understanding of the true age of the Earth.
Shropshire’s rocks represent ten of the twelve geological periods, a unique phenomenon in Europe.
Quantum Leap’s designers Pearce & Lal have created a piece of work that suggests, among other things, the layers of rock that lie beneath the landscape and in some case rise up to create the Shropshire Hills.
The ribs of this daring sculpture will also be made from Shropshire – it will be manufactured in pre-cast stone aggregate from local quarries, reflecting the dynamic history of the landscape within the design.
Speaking about the project, Darwin co-ordinator Jon King said:
“We already have a statue of Darwin in the town. For the bicentenary, we were looking for something that reflected on Shropshire’s role in influencing his thoughts as a young man. This landscape fascinated Darwin and I hope that Quantum Leap will create a similar interest in exploring the wider county.”
Speaking for the design team, Ranbir Lal added: “It is a privilege to work on a memorial to Charles Darwin. Not only was he was one of the world’s most famous scientists, he was also a tolerant and sensitive human being who in many ways seems a more modern man than his fellow Victorians realised at the time. The implications of his revolutionary ideas are still being felt around the world today, and continue to influence generation after generation of scientists. We hope that the sculpture we have designed in his memory expresses the vitality and range of his ideas, and brings them alive to the people of modern-day Shrewsbury”.
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