The story of Lady Godiva and the London 2012 Olympics was unveiled yesterday as part of a showcase of behind-the-scenes work for the Cultural Olympiad.
Designs and small models for the pedal-powered 10 metre-high Lady Godiva which will take part in the 2012 celebrations are being displayed by makers Imagineer Productions. Hundreds of artists and individuals across the West Midlands will take part.
The plan is for Lady Godiva to wake from her sleeping chamber to a spectacular performance in July 2012 and, powered by 50 cyclists, travel to London.
Godiva Awakes is a West Midlands commission for Artists Taking The Lead, a series of 12 new public art works across the UK to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
An Imagineer Productions spokesman said: “Through Godiva Awakes we will create a once in a lifetime opportunity for young people of all backgrounds to engage in an ambitious project supporting and developing the skills of a new generation of makers, performers and event producers.
“We are honoured and excited to be representing the West Midlands region as part of the Cultural Olympiad and hope to capture the imagination of the country, and the world, showcasing the skill and ingenuity of the region as Godiva walks to London.”
Plans, an animation of the work, sculpted maquettes of Lady Godiva, the designs for the stained glass windows that will appear in Godiva’s chamber and the initial designs for Lady Godiva’s coat will be on show.
Arts Council England is producing Artists Taking The Lead along with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Wales.