Holding Time Chair unveiled at Bowling Park
02 December 2024
It was a beautiful moment on 15 November 2024 when the Holding Time Chair was unveiled at a launch event in Bowling Park during Baby Week Bradford.
The chair is a place to rest and contemplate parenthood, whilst sitting on a figure based on ancient maternal figurines. This beautiful resting lady, carved by hand, will also bring Holding Time digital content into the city’s park.
The chair has been created in collaboration with the Holding Time project, Better Place Bradford and the supremely talented sculpture artist, Dan Jones, who sculpted the piece using four and a half tons of Lincolnshire stone.
Lisa Creagh, the Holding Time Project, said:
I am always looking for ways to reach more people whilst bringing in new creative health and social prescribing elements – so this project emphasises the physical and mental health benefits of the outdoors, green space and walking. All three offer parents wellbeing at no cost.
Adele Adams, Project Manager, Better Place Bradford, said:
Better Place relished the opportunity to work on this collaborative project with Lisa and Dan. It is a beautiful, serene addition to one of the Better Place playful spaces within the Better Start Bradford area. Parents holding little ones to feed will be able to take a moment, sitting in nature, being ‘held’ themselves.
Dan Jones, sculptor and artist, said:
The Holding Time sculptural chair has been a joy to work on, developing my creative skills practically and intellectually. Collaborating with other artists and organisations helps me to see the world from other people’s perspectives and enriches the work I create in response. The Holding Time chair, while different from any other sculpture I’ve made before, sits happily in my approach to promoting nature, health and wellbeing through creative projects.
This event was the first of a series of Holding Time events taking place in Bradford to coincide with Bradford City of Culture 2025. With an emphasis on maternal wellbeing and infant health, Holding Time’s Project Lead, Lisa Creagh has interviewed local breastfeeding mothers and this audio and video content will connect to the stone sculpture via a QR code.
The launch event at Bowling Park, comprised of the musical talents of Nasheeds and cellists from Opera North, London Philharmonic Orchestra and CBeebies.
There were tears all round as mums shared their heartfelt poetry about their breastfeeding experiences and the unconditional love for their children. These poems were borne from a Writing for Wellbeing writing workshop for breastfeeding mums provided by Holding Time’s writing lead Rachel New.
The Holding Time Chair now seats pride of place at Bowling Park facing the toddler natural play area, where for many generations nursing mothers can feed their babies.
Find out more about this amazing project here: https://holdingtime.org/holding-time-chair-unveiling/
About Better Place
Better Place is identifying and overseeing improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for expectant parents, babies, young children and families. The project is also finding ways to reduce exposure to harmful traffic fumes for pregnant women and small children.
The Better Place project is a Better Start Bradford project that is being delivered in collaboration with Bradford Council, Bradford Trident, Groundwork UK, Public Health, voluntary and community sector groups and local people.
Check out our events and activities page to find out what the Better Place Activities team are doing in Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton.
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