As part of a significant regeneration to the Castle Vale area in Birmingham, an arts initiative was established by Birmingham City Council. The most recognisable piece of public art which this initiative supported is the Sentinel sculpture, created by artist Tim Tolkien, great-nephew of J.R.R Tolkien, who grew up in Birmingham. This unique art piece shows three Spitfire planes flying into the air in different directions. The Spitfires are made of aluminium, with steel supporting beams curved to replicate vapour trails.
The 16-metre statue commemorates the Castle Bromwich factory where many of Britain’s wartime Spitfires were made. The sculpture is located on the A452 roundabout at the entrance to the Castle Vale estate, and this roundabout has now been fondly renamed Spitfire Island.
LITE Architectural was appointed by ELS (Exterior Lighting Solutions) to design, supply and commission the exterior lighting scheme for the project. LITE supplied three ReachElite 200 RGBW fixtures from ColorKinetic to illuminate the sculpture, which are premium exterior long-throw luminaires designed to light large-scale outdoor structures. These luminaires are controlled using a Pharos LPC1 controller with a 4G router, providing colour-changing capabilities which create vibrant scenes.
The dynamic lighting has enhanced the eye-catching sculpture, backdropping the bold steel with bright LEDs for a striking visual on the roundabout. The lighting has helped to rejuvenate this beloved sculpture, which inspired Castle Vale residents and is a respectful reminder of the area’s air history during World War II.
Spitfire Island
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