Floating Head

What to do with a giant Floating Head?

Floating Head is an amazing sculpture by Richard Groom, originally commissioned for Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988. It has miraculously survived all these years but has not been in public. Help us restore it and bring it back to the water!

Who is involved?

Sculpture Placement Group, working with various partners, including the artist Richard Groom's family and Glasgow Science Centre, will restore this amazing piece of sculpture back to its original location, for new audiences to enjoy. The sculpture presents a unique opportunity to consider the past, present and future of this area of cultural and industrial significance; to celebrate the impact and legacy of the Garden Festival; to consider the vision and skill of Richard Groom; and to reflect on issues around sustainability, regeneration and public art. 

Where and When

We plan to coincide the re-float with Doors Open Day (September 2021), and COP26 (November 2021), which is taking place right next to the Floating Head's original location, at Glasgow Science Centre. These events will bring both local and international visitors to the location of Floating Head. We hope the interest and enthusiasm that will be generated by seeing this amazing and iconic artwork revived, will help us find a long term public home for Floating Head.

Where is it now?

Floating Head has miraculously survived all these years, having narrowly escaped destruction. It is currently in a boat yard further up the Clyde, where it is in remarkably good condition, but still in need of some repair to make it seaworthy!

How it was made

Floating Head is made on the hull of a boat. It has a steel and mesh armature covered with a cement render. It was made by Richard Groom assisted by former shipbuilding welders in Govan. Richard Groom had a long career as an artist, stone carver and restorer of historical buildings, he passed away in 2019. His family are working with us on this restoration project.

Project Partners

We have had support from CITB, Glasgow City Heritage Trust and National Lottery Community Fund, to deliver an engagement project with local communities, in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre. This Crowdfunder campaign is to raise the shortfall we have in restoring and mooring the sculpture in the Canting Basin, for a temporary period in autumn 2021. The Floating Head sculpture is on loan to this project by its owner Ian Henderson.

Match Funding

Our project is part of the Creative Scotland Crowdmatch - we are 1 of 20 shortlisted creative projects in Scotland - that have the opportunity to win a share of £75,000 in match funding.

Rewards

Here is the exclusive limited edition digital drawing by renowned Glasgow-based artist Mick Peter

Cutting the Ribbon

Richard's mum, Audrey, has very kindly made our most generous contribution to secure the coveted reward of cutting the ribbon when we re-launch Floating Head - who better to do this than the artist's dear mum! We'll be sure to give Mrs Groom the full VIP treatment.

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Video for more perspectives on Floating Head