This is the first exclusive glimpse of the town centre memorial chosen to mark Charles Darwin’s bicentenary.
The design, named Quantum Leap, will be built as part of a memorial geo-garden at Mardol Quay Gardens on the banks of the River Severn, and subject to planning permission will be unveiled as the symbolic launch of the Darwin celebrations in February 2009.
Judges chose the design, created by Pearce & Lal, from a shortlist of three in a competition to find a fitting memorial to Darwin and the geology of Shropshire.
All three designs were exhibited in the Darwin Shopping Centre last week, and the Quantum Leap design was also the most popular choice among members of the public.
Charles Armstrong, borough council portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “Art should not always be what one would expect. Quantum Leap is one of these pieces of art that comes at you head on and shouts ‘look at me’.”
Graham Galliers, chairman of the Public Art Partnership, said he was ‘delighted’ with the outcome.
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