Chesterfield is full of hidden gems when it comes to artwork and culture, some of which you may never have noticed before. Explore the culture of Chesterfield by foot and discover the unique artworks around the town with our Chesterfield Art Trail walking routes.
To find out more about the artwork featured in these routes, visit the Chesterfield Art Trail map by clicking here.
Queen’s Park to Chatsworth Road
Starting off in the picturesque Queen’s Park you will find the first piece of artwork, a stunning metal sculpture commemorating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee which was unveiled in 2013 by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker. Did you know? Queen’s Park was opened in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
Whilst in the park you can enjoy a visit to the café, have a ride on the miniature railway around the lake and let the children have a play on the park.
Next stop is the Boundary Railings outside Rowland Hill House.
This area was once home to potteries, mills, an iron and chemical works, and a colliery, all of which were served by the Brampton railway branch line. Designed by artists, Denis O’Connor, and Adam Walkden, six panels depict scenes of industry or industrial manufacturing. Can you spot the colliery headgear, chimneys, a miner, a smith at his anvil, a steam train, and items of pottery? The other panels include horse racing, fishing, and pigs routing under a tree, referring to the local communal open space in the town centre known as New Square.
A short walk away, you will find more Boundary Fence and Gates which were also designed by artist Denis O’Connor.
The artist designed nine pictorial panels representing the story of international, paper, and plastic packaging manufacturer, Robinson and Sons.
Moving onto Chatsworth Road, home to a range of independent shops and food and drink outlets, you will spot some unique artwork on the buildings.
Why not have a gander in the shops or take a break in one of the pubs or cafes?
As you make your way down Chatsworth Road browsing the shops, you will spot a number of other artworks. The next sculpture being The Orienteer, situated directly next to Nonnas.
The sculpture is by Stuart Marsh, a Derbyshire-based artist living near Matlock, who specialises in sculptures inspired by the landscape of the Peak District. The four main pieces of rock are worked to represent natural standing stones common in Derbyshire hills.
At Wheatbridge Retail Park you will find a clock sitting high on the red brick tower designed by David Davidson and Darren Richardson.
The circular clock face has curving hands, one of which is ‘hand-sculpted’ in aluminium, in a shape that echoes the famous twisted spire of St Mary’s Church.
Near the junction of Chatsworth Road and Foljambe Road, the Entrance Arch marks the route of the cycle path through the site, which links the town centre with Holmebrook Valley Park to the north-west.
Heading back towards the town centre, you will spot Barbara Hepworth’s Curved Reclining Form (Rosewall).
This sculpture has an interesting story and has become an important part of the town’s heritage. Dame Barbara Hepworth’s 2.5-tonne sculpture has been in Chesterfield since 1963, when it was purchased by the then GPO (now Royal Mail). While she created many works, Rosewall is one of only four stone carvings Hepworth produced before her death in 1975.
One of the largest and most impressive works of public art in Chesterfield is Angela Conner’s sculpture Poise (Wind Sculpture).
If you look closely, you will notice the disc is divided into six segments so that when it’s outside and the wind blows, the segments are free to move gently backwards and forwards.
Chesterfield Town Centre
Starting at the top of town on Saltergate, you will find Saltergate Miners Statues which were built in 1915.
As you head back to the town centre, you will pass Chesterfield Town Hall situated on Rose Hill. Did you know? The building was opened by the Duchess of Devonshire (the present Duke’s grandmother) on 6th April 1938.
Located in the heart of the town centre is The Yards, full of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Yards is the home to a falcon and a puppy which were installed as part of the Chesterfield Cultural Renaissance project. A great photo opportunity for children!
Head towards Vicar Lane where you will find lots of shopping opportunities with high-street and independent shops. When it’s time to refuel, you can head to Qoozies, Vintage Tea Rooms or Coffee #1 for a drink or a bite to eat.
See if you can spot the Good Guys and the Bad Guys wall sculptures hidden on buildings.
Chesterfield’s best-known landmark, Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints also known as ‘The Crooked Spire’, is well worth a visit. The spire stands 228 feet high and twists 9 feet 6 inches from its original centre. Visitors are welcome inside to tour the tower and appreciate the stained glass, carved alter pieces and elegant archways.
Another building which is worth seeing, is the Winding Wheel Theatre which has gained Grade II listed building status. The building hosts a diverse programme of events including West End musicals, stand-up comedy, music concerts and lectures.
Chesterfield Railway Station to Derby Road
Beginning at Chesterfield Railway Station, you will find the statue of George Stephenson also known as ‘Father of Railways’. Did you know? George lived the last ten years of his life at Tapton House and is buried inside Chesterfield’s Holy Trinity Church.
Behind the Railway Station, is an interesting looking piece of artwork – the Mollusc, known locally as ‘The Snail’.
Enjoy a walk down Spital Lane, to find the Solidarity figurative sculpture. Showing four figures – three female and one male – standing closely together with their arms around one another’s shoulders, expressing friendship and mutual support.
Whilst near Derby Road, pop into Birdcage for a slice of cake or a drink.
Heading back towards town, you will pass the Cineworld multiplex where there are two contemporary artworks to discover: a large stained-glass window in the foyer and fourteen small bronze tiles set into the entrance paving outside. The tiles depict ‘historic moments in the cinema’ including memorable scenes from Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and Spielberg’s Jurassic Park.
On Horns Bridge Roundabout, is the Growth Sculpture which signified the confidence and continuous growth of the town. The wheel design in the ground represents the town’s many industries and the twists upwards at the centre to form an emerging flower.
Near, Ravenside Retail Park is Hipper or Riverstone described as an abstract stone sculpture set on the theme of the River Hipper to mark the course of the old river.
Finally, the Infinity sculpture outside Chesterfield Coach Station was designed by apprentices at Franke Sissons’ who worked with pupils from Parkside School to develop the design for the sculpture. It comprises three cube frames within each other, features icons that the students felt were representative of Chesterfield today: Nature, Manufacturing, and Community.
This is only a small selection of more than 70 new art schemes that have been created since 1994, you can find out more about other artworks in the town on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/chesterfield-art-trail
Looking to explore more of Chesterfield on foot? Visit our guide to the great outdoor in Chesterfield or check out the Staveley walking trail.
