The Looping Boat, a striking public artwork by British artist Alex Chinneck, brings a fresh perspective to the historical waterways of Tinsley, Sheffield. This project, which is Chinneck’s first artwork on water, pays tribute to the region’s industrial heritage while offering an intriguing visual experience to its visitors. Located on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal, the installation blends local history with contemporary art in a way that makes it accessible to all.
The artwork and its inspiration
At the heart of the installation is a 13-meter-long canal boat, painted in traditional canal boat colors. The boat’s design draws inspiration from Sheffield’s past, particularly its role in British industry and its waterways. The boat is named “The Industry,” a nod to the first vessel to navigate the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal, which opened in 1819. This historical reference is further emphasized by the inclusion of the Tudor Rose, a symbol long associated with Sheffield, painted onto the boat’s surface.
What makes The Looping Boat truly stand out is its unexpected form. Rather than simply resting on the water, the boat appears to perform an impossible loop-the-loop, with its body curving upwards in a six-meter-high arc. This gravity-defying twist adds a playful element to the installation, making it a must-see for visitors of all ages. The illusion of motion, despite the boat being stationary, invites passersby to pause and engage with the artwork.
Location and visitor experience
The Looping Boat is located between locks 4 and 5 on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal, close to the Meadowhall Shopping Centre. This strategic placement ensures the artwork is easily accessible to the public, whether they arrive by foot, tram, or car. For those on foot, a 180-degree view of the boat can be enjoyed from the towpath, providing ample opportunities for photographs and contemplation. The artwork can also be seen by boaters, canoeists, and paddleboarders passing through the canal, adding a dynamic element to their experience.
Visitors are not allowed to physically enter the boat due to its position on the offside of the canal, but the surrounding landscape offers a variety of vantage points from which to appreciate the installation. The Looping Boat is a free, year-round attraction, enhancing the appeal of the area for both locals and tourists.
Funding and collaboration
The creation of The Looping Boat is the result of a collaborative effort between various organizations. It is co-funded by British Land and E.ON, with the latter committing to public art as part of its redevelopment of the Blackburn Meadows site. The Canal & River Trust, which manages the waterways, also played a key role in the project’s realization. Additionally, the Tinsley Art Project Board, composed of representatives from Sheffield City Council, Tinsley Forum, and other partners, was responsible for commissioning the work.
Alex Chinneck himself has described The Looping Boat as his most complex artwork to date, and it’s easy to see why. The project required input from structural engineers, specialist steel fabricators, waterway contractors, and professional painters. In fact, a traditional canal boat signwriter was employed to ensure that the boat’s paintwork remained faithful to its historical roots.
How to visit The Looping Boat
The Looping Boat is located near Tinsley Marina, between locks 4 and 5 of the Tinsley Flight. If you’re planning to visit by public transport, the nearest tram stop is Carbrook, followed by a short two-minute walk along the towpath. Free parking is available at Meadowhall Shopping Centre, where visitors can take a 15-minute walk to the artwork via the towpath. Those looking for a more extended walk can start from Victoria Quays, a 3.5-mile journey along the canal.
About the artist: Alex Chinneck
Alex Chinneck has built a reputation for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. His previous works include unzipping factory buildings, melting houses made of wax, and making entire buildings appear to float in mid-air. Chinneck’s talent for architectural illusion is evident in his portfolio, which features major public installations in the UK and internationally.
For over eight years, Chinneck has been working in the Sheffield area, creating several notable artworks in Tinsley. His earlier works in the region include a car sculpture suspended upside down, which drew over 5,000 visitors in just six days, and a knotted post box that was temporarily installed outside Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy in 2019. These works, like The Looping Boat, often play with gravity and form, encouraging viewers to reconsider their surroundings.
Source: Canal & River Trust