The Dream sculpture is made of white Spanish dolomite and concrete, chosen to contrast with the dark industrial history of the coal mine.
The sculpture's design was based on the face of a local 12-year-old girl, reflecting the hopes and dreams of former miners.
Sutton Manor Colliery, which occupied this site, closed in 1991 after decades of mining activity.
The project was featured on the Channel 4 television series 'The Big Art Project' in 2009.
The sculpture is positioned on the highest point of the woodland, deliberately creating a landmark visible from the M62 motorway.
Sutton Manor Woodland is a former colliery site transformed into a community woodland featuring the prominent 'Dream' sculpture. The Dream is a 20-meter-tall, white concrete structure by artist Jaume Plensa, shaped like a young girl’s head with closed eyes. The park covers approximately 62 hectares of reclaimed land, featuring a network of trails for walking and cycling. The landscape consists of hilly terrain created from the spoil heaps of the defunct Sutton Manor Colliery. It serves as a public space for recreation and ecological conservation in the St Helens area. The site provides elevated panoramic views of the surrounding Merseyside region.
The elevated path directly facing the Dream sculpture, which allows for a full-frame shot of the artwork against the sky.
Wear sturdy walking boots as the paths can be muddy and uneven, especially on the hilly slopes.
Check the weather forecast beforehand, as the high elevation of the site makes it very exposed to wind.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the Dream sculpture against the landscape.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the surface of the Dream sculpture, as it is a protected art installation.
Keep dogs on a lead in sensitive conservation areas and follow the 'leave no trace' principles regarding litter.
