Wind energy as a piece of art: ALE transports Siemens rotor blade across Hull

Specialist for heavy lifting ALE has transported a 75m long rotor blade from Siemens once across the city center of Hull. The blade was then jacked up on Queen Victoria Square at a height of 5.5m, so that the famous British double-decker buses could pass under it.

It is the first time that such a rotor blade is exhibited in a temporary art event. These contemporary art installations show a series of artists' interventions in the public space that aim to view and experience the city in a new way. The responsible artist, Nayan Kulkarni, said: "By declaring the blade to be a work of art, we’re changing it. It’s no longer a functional object – it does other things and has different values. As both a turbine blade and a ready-made sculptural work of art it is beautiful."

Last year, Siemens built a production facility for offshore plants near Hull, where the rotor blade was now manufactured. The workers are proud that their product can now be seen by thousands of locals and visitors to the city, Siemens assured. Siemens UK Chief Executive Jürgen Maier said: "“We’re hugely excited to have worked with Nayan Kulkarni and the City of Culture team on this dramatic, unique installation. This collaboration reflects our desire to make a positive impact as a Hull UK City of Culture 2017 Major Partner."