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Read the case studies below to find out about previous and ongoing sculpture placements, including insights into costs, background on placements, and feedback from communities.

Case Study #1: How 'Tangled' Sparked a New Festival in Galashiels

‘Tangled’ by Saskia Singer is a suspended copper metal sculpture made in 2019.
‘Tangled’ by Saskia Singer, installed at Unwind Yarns in Galashiels

Artwork & Host

‘Tangled’ by Saskia Singer

Hosted at Untangled Yarns
Channel St, Galashiels

2022 – present

Background & Context

The landlord of Untangled Yarns (formerly Unwind Yarns) was aware of the SPG Loan project and funded a one-year loan. The shop proprietor chose ‘Tangled’ by Saskia Singer, a suspended metal sculpture.

Previously, the sculpture had been installed at another location where it was hung very high up. After the originator of the placement left the business, they were uncooperative in returning the artwork to Saskia. SPG had to organise a rescue operation to deinstall the piece and deliver it to Galashiels, where it would remain for several years.

The shop later changed hands and incorporated the title of the artwork into its new name, Untangled Yarns. This led to a wider cultural impact — Galashiels now hosts an annual Tangled Festival celebrating fibre arts.’

Installation Cost: £500

Insurance Cost: £200

  • Art can transform spaces and inspire new cultural events — a simple placement can have a ripple effect beyond the immediate space.

Impact

  • On the host: The artwork inspired a new identity for the shop.
  • On the artist: Increased visibility and recognition for Saskia Singer.
  • On the community: The launch of the annual Tangled Festival has created a new cultural focus for the town.

Testimonial

"The sculpture has become part of the fabric of the community — people now identify the shop with the artwork."
Untangled Yarns
Owner

Case Study #2: How Sculpture Sparked Connection at Govan High School

'Mohammad Plays', is a sculpture by Rachel Lowther, which depicts a child running.
Team Sculpture participants stand next to Rachel Lowther's sculpture 'Mohammad Plays'

Artwork & Host

‘Mohammed Plays’ by Rachel Lowther
&
‘Wish You Were Here’ by Jamie Cooper

Hosted at Govan High School
Glasogw

2022–23 (‘Mohammed Plays’)
2025–26 (‘Wish You Were Here’)

Background & Context

Govan High School aims to create a caring, inclusive, and happy learning environment where young people are inspired to achieve their full potential.

The school has hosted two sculptures through their participation in Team Sculpture — a skills development and confidence-building project for secondary school students run by Sculpture Placement Group (SPG).

In 2023, the school chose ‘Mohammed Plays’ by Rachel Lowther, which resonated with many students, especially those who are New Scots (recently arrived in Glasgow). In 2025, they will host ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Jamie Cooper.

Mr McHenry, Principal Teacher of Positive Destinations, observed how the placements affected students:

“I found that the pupils who took part in it not only gained experience and grew in confidence, but ended up becoming interested in something completely new to them.”

‘Mohammed Plays’ by Rachel Lowther

Installation Cost: £500

Insurance Cost: £200

Installation dates: 2022-23

 

‘Wish You Were Here’ by Jamie Cooper

Installation Cost: £500

Insurance Cost: £200

Installation dates: 2025-26

  • Art can create a safe space for students to explore difficult topics and find new forms of expression.

Impact

  • On the host: Strengthened the school’s cultural identity.
  • On the artist: Encouraged self-expression, particularly among New Scots.
  • On the community: Sparked conversations about world events and conflict.

Testimonial

"Many of the young people are new Scots and have only recently come to Glasgow. Their choice of sculpture, Mohamed Plays, resonated with their lived experience and became a way to express to others the trials they had endured prior to arriving in Scotland."
Mr McHenry
Govan High School

Case Study #3: How Sculpture Created a New Sensory Experience at Forth Valley Sensory Centre

'Big Wave Vortex' by Tom Allan is a marble sculpture depicting a wave cresting over negative space, made in 2011.
Three people gather around Tom Allan's sculpture 'Big Wave Vortex' which is installed in a small urban garden.
Artwork image.

Artwork & Host

‘Big Wave Vortex’ by Tom Allan
&
’20/20′ by Alex Allan

Hosted at Forth Valley Sensory Centre
Camelon, Falkirk

2018–present (‘Big Wave Vortex’)
2023–present (’20/20′)

Background & Context

Forth Valley Sensory Centre (FVSC) provides services and support for people with visual and hearing loss, their families, and the wider community. It was the first purpose-built sensory centre in the UK, located in an area of deprivation.

FVSC’s CEO, Jacqui Winning, first connected with SPG at the Sculpture Showroom exhibition held as part of Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art in 2018. A “Speed Date” evening introduced her to artists Alex Allan and Tom Allan, leading to the loan of Big Wave Vortex and 20/20.

Tom Allan assisted with practical installation, ensuring ‘Big Wave Vortex’ was safely positioned in the Sensory Garden. Alex Allan later installed ‘20/20′ outside the Centre’s entrance, providing a new focal point for visitors.

‘Big Wave Vortex’ by Tom Allan

Installation Cost: Covered by Centre

Insurance Cost: Not applicable

Loan Type: Permanent

Installation dates: 2018-present

 

’20/20′ by Alex Allan

Installation Cost: Covered by Centre

Insurance Cost: Not applicable

Loan Type: Permanent

Installation dates: 2023-present

  • Direct engagement with artists can make installations more meaningful and practical, helping to tailor the work to the host’s space.

Impact

  • On the host: Brought art to a sensory-impaired audience.
  • On the artist: Created direct engagement with the community.
  • On the community: Sparked conversations about art, climate change, and differing perceptions.

Testimonial

"Some people really admire 20/20; some people don't get it. But by having this opportunity to observe and discuss, it helps people accept that we don't always need to agree — and it's OK to have a different opinion."
Jacqui Winning, CEO
Forth Valley Sensory Centre

Case Study #4: How 'Handbag' Brought Art to the Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre

Three people view and touch the work 'Handbag', an oversized yellow handbag sculpture with black trim by Beagles & Ramsay, in Glasgow’s Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre.
'Handbag' by artists Beagles & Ramsay is a sculpture of an oversized fluorescent yellow handbag, installed on a grey plinth at The Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre in Glasgow.

Artwork & Host

‘Handbag’ by Beagles & Ramsay

Hosted at Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre
Garnethill, Glasgow

2019 – 2023

Background & Context

Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre is a day centre in Garnethill, Glasgow, that supports the well-being of the elderly Chinese community. The Centre provides activities, support, and a welcoming environment for its members.

In 2019, the Centre hosted ‘Handbag’ by Beagles & Ramsay through the Sculpture Placement Group Loan scheme. The sculpture was used as a catalyst for creative engagement, inspiring the Centre to develop complementary arts activities.

The artwork acted as a conversation starter, encouraging service users to explore art in their daily lives.

Installation Cost: £500

Insurance Cost: £200

Loan Type: Fixed-term (4 years)

  • Simple, familiar forms can create an immediate connection with audiences, especially when paired with creative activities.

Impact

  • On the host: Strengthened the Centre’s cultural and creative activities.
  • On the artist: Provided a direct connection to an underrepresented community.
  • On the community: Sparked creative projects and conversations among service users.

Testimonial

"The sculpture has shortened the distance between the artist and the people. It showed that simple day-to-day items can inspire people, and the service users were encouraged to find art and inspiration all around them."
Amy Li Man
Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre
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