If you’ve ever travelled across North Wales by train, you’ve probably caught a glimpse of a particularly quirky landmark along the way. Some train passengers may even be used to peering out of the window and seeing giant toes and toenails by now, but for many the statue’s meaning remains a mystery.
Thousands of people pass by Flint’s giant sculpture of a human foot each year. The local landmark stands at 11ft tall and is fabricated in steel.
It’s positioned next to Flint Railway Station, which is one of the key access points for the National Cycle Network in Wales. Its placement is not accidental as these two forms of transport hint at the inspiration for the piece.
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It was built in 1999 and has since become one of the town’s most recognisable and unusual sights. Visible from the railway platform, this quirky statue is a source of intrigue to thousands of people each year.
‘Footplate' was created by Derbyshire-based artist Brian Fell. It celebrates Flint's location at the start of a number of National Cycle Network routes.
The giant foot stands on its toes, which is thought to resemble a foot pedalling a bike. It’s also powered by interlocking cogs, paying tribute to the intricate mechanisms of a bike chain.
Did you know the meaning of Flint’s giant foot? Let us know in the comments section below.
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