Over 70 women from Salford have knitted up a storm to add a new yarn to the tale of the Bridgewater Canal.
The crafty crew have spent a year creating over 2000 knitted and crocheted squares based on the marks stonemasons chiselled into the canal stonework in order to be paid for their work, along with other patterns and shapes found along the canal.
Now the squares have been woven together to cover a set of giant, four feet high letters spelling out #SWINGIEST which have been placed on the stone foundations of the original Barton Aqueduct.
Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “At the time it was built in 1761 no-one had ever attempted to carry water in a canal over water in a river. It seemed like madness but but the Duke of Bridgewater’s engineer, James Brindley believed in it and the labourers and stonemasons he employed made it happen.
“The stone aqueduct was demolished in 1893 to make way for bigger ships on the Manchester Ship Canal and the Barton Swing Aqueduct was built to carry the Bridgewater canal over the Ship Canal. The aqueduct was and is the world’s first and only bridge to swing open while keeping hold of its water.We wanted to create a unique piece of art to capture people’s interest in the canal by bringing local people together to take a fresh look at their heritage and learn new skills.”
Artist and expert knitter Rachael Elwell created the patterns for the designs which were then knitted and crocheted by a new knitting group formed for the project, established local groups and people knitting at home.
The project is part of Est.1761, a programme of activities for local communities as the canal undergoes a £5.5 million restoration thanks to £3.6 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and contributions from Salford City Council and Peel Holdings. The knitting project received additional support from The Booth Charities.
The letters will stay on show for the next few weeks at Barton Aqueduct pocket park, off Barton Road, Eccles.
