Water Sculptures of Sheaf Square

Step off the train at Sheaf Square in Sheffield, and you’ll be greeted by two massive water features. Erected during the redevelopment of the railway station, they’re the Steel City’s way of artistically paying homage to the very substance that helped shape it.

Perhaps most impressive is Cutting Edge, a stainless steel sculpture and waterfall that takes a cylindrical shape at its southern end and gradually morphs into an evocative blade-like cross section at the opposite terminus. At almost 300 feet long and with a roughly 16-foot-tall high point, the sleek design is guaranteed to catch your eye.

The sculpture is more than just a striking work of art. It’s a nod to Sheffield’s history, too. It celebrates the city’s role as the place where stainless steel was invented and commemorates the tradition of small-scale, highly skilled craft cutlers that still operate there today.

The other feature is an enormous multi-level water cascade, which sends water peacefully flowing down a set of terraces. It, too, pays homage to the importance of water power in helping develop Sheffield’s industries. At night, well-placed lights add a colorful, enchanting glow to the watery display.