Survival Suit Figure / front pose

Artist Sue Jane Taylor (Dingwall, Scotland, born 1960)

AssociatedAssociated with Piper Alpha

Date1991

Object NameDrawing

Mediumcharcoal on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

Dimensions80 x 56cm
Frame Size: 104 x 80cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 2002.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG013164

Keywords

Oil Safety

About MePiper Alpha was an oil platform in the North Sea. In July 1988 it was destroyed in an explosion with resulterd in 167 workers losing their lives.
This is one of a number of preparatory works associated with the Piper Alpha Memorial now in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen by Sue Jane Taylor.
The actual finished memorial has three figures representing different aspects of the workforce on an installation. This figure represents 'youth'. He is shown clad in a survival suit, which is obligatory to wear on flights by helicopter to and from the North Sea platforms. Wearing a suit is iconic of being an offshore worker.
The pose in the image is drawn from the viewpoint of someone looking up at the finished scuplture. The perspective accentuates the 'heroic strength' of the figure, and the worker he represents.