Reflections of Bedford

The pedestal of the sculpture is also inlaid with blue and purple coloured spotlights, which turn on at night to illuminate the statue. The backs of the scultpures are entirely flat, although one has a plaque attached stating the artist, name, and date of the work.

At installation, the statues were rather controversial due to their cost of £100,000, and an alleged lack of public consultation. In addition, the bust of Trevor Huddleston was moved to make space for the faces.

Symbolism

The statues are inlaid with patterns of bricks and lace, symbolising Bedford's past in both those industries, as the Marston Vale brickworks and Bedfordshire lace have been major influences on Bedford's economy. The sculpture is also "meant to represent the diversity of ethnic backgrounds in the town".