It is easy when out and about, driving or otherwise, to miss some of the rich cultural pieces that exist in public for all to see. From sculptures to man-made landscapes, graffiti and murals, there are inspiring, beautiful and thought-provoking works of art across Britain.
DS Automobiles allows drivers to slow down and enjoy the Art of Travel. In comfort and in style, DS allows drivers to make the act of driving from one place to another part of the event or, in fact, the event.
We have collated five short tours across the country for drivers to experience and become immersed in some of the finest public works of art across the country.
Each route starts at a DS retailer - why not try a 24 hour test drive while you complete the tour?
Mural on the back of The Albert (M20 3BG)
Dream (WA9 4BE)
Squares with Two Circles (L69 7ZX)
After seeing Dream, head into Liverpool. At over 3m high, Squares with Two Circles is one of iconic artist Barbara Hepworth’s largest monolithic bronzes and is one of only three in the world. Located on the campus of the University of Liverpool, this sculpture uses circles cut out of the bronze sculpture to explore the relationship between occupied and empty space. The sculpture is one of several works of art available to view across the campus.
While you’re there, take in the art across the campus of the University of Liverpool and the majestic Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.
Super LambBanana (L2 2ER)
This 8-ton, 5.2m tall sculpture is a play on two of the most common cargos in Liverpool’s docks – sheep and bananas. The sculpture was created in 1998 as part of a wider programme to create a corridor of art across Northern England. It has moved around the city before settling in its current location.
Although it is traditionally yellow, it occasionally receives a temporary repaint as part of wider campaigns. It has now become a symbol of Liverpool, with scale replicas available to buy
The Beatles (L3 1BY)
A statue of Liverpool’s most iconic residents and arguably four of the most famous Britons is based on a picture of the ‘Fab Four’ walking down the street. The sculpture stands in the middle of a public walkway so that you can walk with the Fab Four, too. The subtle details, Paul’s camera, the ‘L8’ inscription on Ringo’s foot, the acorns in John’s hand and the Sanskrit on George’s belt all offer an insight into the key moments in each of their lives.
Once you’ve spent some time with the ‘Fab Four’, walk along the waterfront to see the final piece of public art on this tour.
Penelope (L1 4JJ)
Staying at: The Resident; 2 Blackburne Terrace
Eating at: The Art School, Fraiche
Unfurl (W8 5LZ)
Still Water (W1K 1AB)
Shoreditch Street Art (EC2A 3EY)
Traffic Light Tree (E14 5TG)
ArcelorMittal Orbit (E20 2AD)
Staying at: Boundary, Shoreditch; Batty Langley’s
Eating at: Restaurant Claude Bosi at Bibendium, The Clove Club
The Kelpies (FK2 7ZT)
Between the Devil and The Deep Blue Sea (ML5 2EH)
The Hope Sculpture (G73 1PW)
Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail
The mural trail began in 2008 and was intended to revive streetscapes in Glasgow that looked tired and includes works that are conservative, radical, quirky and bizarre. Each piece is unique and have been enriching the artistic heritage of the city centre since their creation.
Walk around the mural trail or drive to visit it, from there, you can walk to the final stop on the tour.
Equestrian Statue of the Duke of Wellington (G1 3AG)
Staying at: Hotel du Vin, Abode Glasgow
Eating at: Bilson Eleven, UNALOME, Glasgow
Norwich ‘City Stories’ murals (NR1 3QF)
Banksy on Admiralty Road (NR30 3DR)
Yoxman (IP17 3ET)
Created by Laurence Edwards to be reminiscent of humble figures of Suffolk’s past, emerging from the landscape, this sculpture towers over the A12. The Yoxman was made of Plaster on Polystyrene, which was then coated in ropes, grass and other objects left in the artist’s studio. The final sculpture was then cast in Bronze in 52 pieces before being pieced together to form the 26ft sculpture you see today.
The statue is visible from the road on the left as you drive out of Yoxford on the A12
Snooks the Dog (IP15 5DS)
Scallop (IP15 5BH)
Staying at: Tuddenham Mill, Hintlesham Hall
Eating at: Maison Bleue, The Suffolk
Angel of the North (NE9 7TY)
Cone (NE8 2BJ)
Parson’s Polygon (NE1 7JF)
The Polygon, on one of Newcastle’s busiest thoroughfares, Blackett Street, covers a ventilation shaft for the city’s Metro. Made of Terra-Cotta, the relief is based on the engineering drawings of Sir Charles Parsons’, a mathematician, engineer, and designer of early turbine engines. 3.5m tall, Parson’s Polygon is one of 40 major pieces of public art commissioned since the construction of the Newcastle Metro began over 40 years ago.
Park: Eldon Square car park, NE1 7RZ
Ever Changing (NE1 4AF)
Northumberlandia (NE23 8AU)
Staying at: Mafden Hall; The County Hotel, Newcastle
Eating at: House of Tides, Solstice