The art work is designed to celebrate the city’s heritage and community
A city in Co Down is set to become home to the largest bronze sculpture on the island of Ireland by the end of 2026.
Bangor is set to welcome a landmark series of public art installations by internationally acclaimed artist Colin Davidson. The series, named ECLIPSE, is estimated to cost £1.287m, with the Department for Communities contributing £1.05m, and Ards & North Down Borough Council contributing £200,000.
The sculpture’s centrepiece is a six-metre-tall bronze sculpture of hands casting a dove-shaped shadow— designed to symbolise peace, resilience, and Bangor’s regeneration journey. This sculpture, ‘The Dove’, will be situated in the heart of the new Marine Gardens at the city’s waterfront.
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It will be complimented by companion sculptures at Pickie Fun Park (‘The Swan’) and the Eisenhower Pier (‘The Crab’) that collectively celebrate Bangor’s heritage and community.
Colin Davidson said: “Bangor is attracting investment and moving forward. These sculptures are about connection – between people, place and history.
“I’m honoured to contribute something lasting to the city that has helped shaped me and to be part of the regeneration efforts that will position it as an exciting and welcoming place for generations to come.”
The installations are expected to be in place by late Autumn 2026, with opportunities for community engagement and storytelling planned in the lead-up.
The Council is inviting residents to be part of the journey through a new initiative, ‘Hands of Bangor: Stories Behind the Sculpture’, launching early in 2026. The series will explore the artist’s vision, the making of the sculptures, and the voices of local people whose stories will be woven into the installations via interactive QR codes and lighting features.
“This is more than art – it’s about legacy,” said the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum. “We want residents to understand and feel part of this story so are encouraging everyone to watch the striking new video animation and to find out more about the project.
“If your school or community organisation has a story to tell and would to be part of the forthcoming ‘Stories Behind the Sculpture’ project, please get in touch.”
Aran Blackbourne from Bangor Marine has welcomed the iconic sculptures: “We are delighted that as part of the regeneration work undertaken by Bangor Marine; we will have an iconic series of art installations from a globally recognised artist who just happens to live in Bangor.
“I am confident that when people see the sculptures they are going to be hugely impressed, and that goes for those who live here and the visitors we all want to attract to Bangor.
“We have received a strong and positive response to the progress made on site so far, the people of Bangor are delighted that the regeneration of the city is finally underway.”
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