Water Sculptures of Sheaf Square – Sheffield, England - Atlas Obscura

Water Sculptures of Sheaf Square

An enormous steel waterfall is a nod to the substance that shaped Britain's Steel City. 

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Step off the train at Sheaf Square in Sheffield, and you’ll be greeted by two massive water features. Erected during the redevelopment of the railway station, they’re the Steel City’s way of artistically paying homage to the very substance that helped shape it.

Perhaps most impressive is Cutting Edge, a stainless steel sculpture and waterfall that takes a cylindrical shape at its southern end and gradually morphs into an evocative blade-like cross section at the opposite terminus. At almost 300 feet long and with a roughly 16-foot-tall high point, the sleek design is guaranteed to catch your eye.

The sculpture is more than just a striking work of art. It’s a nod to Sheffield’s history, too. It celebrates the city’s role as the place where stainless steel was invented and commemorates the tradition of small-scale, highly skilled craft cutlers that still operate there today.

The other feature is an enormous multi-level water cascade, which sends water peacefully flowing down a set of terraces. It, too, pays homage to the importance of water power in helping develop Sheffield’s industries. At night, well-placed lights add a colorful, enchanting glow to the watery display.

Know Before You Go

While there is a station car park, it is officially only for those on railway business. If traveling from the south of England by car leave the M1 at Junction 30 and use the Park and Ride at Halfway tram terminus. From the north, use Junction 33 and the Park and Ride in at Meadowhall Retail Park.

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March 21, 2018

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