Wrexham's residents were left bewildered and intrigued when a group of mysterious life-sized humanoid sculptures appeared in a field near the former Brymbo Steelworks. The sudden appearance of the figures, which were positioned opposite the historic site, sparked a flurry of speculation and curiosity among locals. Some described the scene as 'spooky' and 'freaky', comparing it to an episode of Doctor Who and questioning whether aliens had landed. But here's where it gets controversial... The sculptures were actually part of One Man Army, a traveling sculptural installation by Cheshire-based artist Colin Spofforth. The project explores Britain's lost industrial and social heritage by temporarily placing repeated casts of a single, solemn figure in locations shaped by work and industry. Each installation is filmed and shared on social media before moving on, leaving behind images and conversations in the communities it visits. The figures were positioned opposite the former steelworks, a site built in 1796 that once employed around 2,500 people at its peak. Steel production came to an end there in 1990, when 1,100 workers lost their jobs, marking the closure of a major part of the area's industrial history. And this is the part most people miss... Spofforth has previously created the life-size statue of Owain Glyndwr, erected in Corwen, Denbighshire, in 2007, and his work can also be found across the UK and internationally. 'My work explores that connection between people and place, how art sparks belonging, memory, and curiosity,' a statement on his website reads. So, what do you think? Do you think the sculptures were a spooky addition to the area, or do you think they missed the mark? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
