Royal Enfield Motorcycle Sculpture Revealed
The new sculpture features genuine Royal Enfield parts and celebrates the the brand in its former hometown of Redditch
If your hometown is anything like mine, the sight of a motorcycle in a public park normally brings with it feelings of sadness that somebody's pride and joy has been stolen, joy-ridden, and then torched.
That’s not the case with this motorcycle though, as the sculpture that has been unveiled in Redditch celebrates one of the biggest names in the two-wheeled world - Royal Enfield.
Specifically, the artwork celebrates the Worcestershire town’s links to Royal Enfield, back when it was a UK-owned and based brand before production ceased in the UK in 1967. The brand was officially sold to Madras Motors in 1955, although Royal Enfield Bullets continued to be produced in the UK, and shipped out to India in kit form, ready for assembly.
The sculpture features that same bike, with Royal Enfield using it to celebrate the intrinsic links the model has both to Redditch and the firm’s new hometown of Chennai, India. The work, residing in Arrow Valley Country Park, was created by Prashant Kumar and Ben Reid-Howells. Kumar is an Indian artist specialising in upcycling, while Reid-Howells is reported to be an educator and community organiser. It features genuine Bullet parts and components exposing much of the internals of the engine and gearbox to the outside world.
The pair began an overland journey of epic proportions in 2017, riding on two Royal Enfield Bullets, across India, Nepal, China, Central Asia and Europe before stopping off in Redditch to pay homage to the origins of their steeds.
Speaking about the sculpture to the Redditch and Alcester Advertiser, council leader Joe Baker said:
“I have two motorbikes myself so as an enthusiast I am absolutely delighted that our links with Royal Enfield are being recognised.”
Picture credits: Roy Edwards Photography
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
