THE AREA HAS CHANGED SINCE MAY 2011
Blackstaff Square is a public space located in the Linen Quarter of Belfast City Centre, near the Europa Hotel and Great Victoria Street train station. It is bordered by Brunswick Street, Amelia Street, and Franklin Street.
Historically, the square was a bomb site and later became known for on-street drinking. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to revitalise the area and make it more inviting to the public.
Features of Blackstaff Square:
The sculpture has been removed since my visit in May 2011. A freestanding clock has also been removed and the Olio Restaurant has been rebranded as Acton & Sons. The construction of the Maldron Hotel, which is directly adjacent to Blackstaff Square, did have some negative impacts on the square such as the removal of the public clock that once stood in Blackstaff Square. This clock was a popular meeting point and a landmark for locals and visitors alike. Its removal diminished the square's character and functionality.
The bronze and fiberglass sculpture in Blackstaff Square was called "Regeneration" and was created by Anna Cheyne, a renowned Northern Irish artist and sculptor (1926-2002). Cheyne worked with diverse media throughout her career, including batik, ceramics, papier-mâché, stone, fiberglass, and bronze.
"Regeneration" was intended to symbolise the rebirth and growth of Belfast after years of conflict. The sculpture depicted a butterfly and a caterpillar, powerful symbols of transformation and hope. However, the placement of the sculpture in Blackstaff Square was not ideal, as it was often obscured by surrounding trees and bushes, diminishing its impact and visibility.
The removal of the sculpture from the square remains a mystery, but its symbolism and the artist's legacy continue to resonate within the city's artistic and cultural landscape.
Historically, the square was a bomb site and later became known for on-street drinking. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to revitalise the area and make it more inviting to the public.
Features of Blackstaff Square:
The sculpture has been removed since my visit in May 2011. A freestanding clock has also been removed and the Olio Restaurant has been rebranded as Acton & Sons. The construction of the Maldron Hotel, which is directly adjacent to Blackstaff Square, did have some negative impacts on the square such as the removal of the public clock that once stood in Blackstaff Square. This clock was a popular meeting point and a landmark for locals and visitors alike. Its removal diminished the square's character and functionality.
The bronze and fiberglass sculpture in Blackstaff Square was called "Regeneration" and was created by Anna Cheyne, a renowned Northern Irish artist and sculptor (1926-2002). Cheyne worked with diverse media throughout her career, including batik, ceramics, papier-mâché, stone, fiberglass, and bronze.
"Regeneration" was intended to symbolise the rebirth and growth of Belfast after years of conflict. The sculpture depicted a butterfly and a caterpillar, powerful symbols of transformation and hope. However, the placement of the sculpture in Blackstaff Square was not ideal, as it was often obscured by surrounding trees and bushes, diminishing its impact and visibility.
The removal of the sculpture from the square remains a mystery, but its symbolism and the artist's legacy continue to resonate within the city's artistic and cultural landscape.
THE AREA HAS CHANGED SINCE MAY 2011