Ropemakers-Inspired Sculpture Heads to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Inspired by The Master Ropemakers, LR Vandy’s intriguing piece ‘Dancing In Time: The Ties That Bind Us’ is heading to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park to become part of her first solo exhibition ‘Rise’. Up until the move, the sculpture has been on display outside of The Ropery gallery here at The Historic Dockyard, after originally being commissioned by Liverpool Museums and located at Albert Dock during the Liverpool Biennale of 2023.
Vandy’s work in the exhibition makes significant use of rope as a material, drawing on both its ancient symbolism and its intrinsic role in the history maritime industry, colonisation and empire building. It explores both cultural traditions and power dynamics, reflecting upon migration, resilience and interconnectedness.
The extensive use of rope as a material in Vandy’s work developed after she relocated her studio to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, joining a growing cluster of creative industries choosing to locate their businesses here. Finding inspiration in our quarter mile long working Ropery, and The Master Ropemakers continuation of traditional ropemaking practice and heritage industry- largely unchanged for 400 years, she worked closely with the Master Ropemakers while developing her practice.
‘Dancing In Time: The Ties That Bind Us’ was manufactured in collaboration with The Master Ropemakers, with the team supporting with traditional rope manufacture and construction of the sculpture. Alex, Managing Director of The Master Ropemakers Limited said, ‘I love that Lisa was inspired by a heritage product made here at The Historic Dockyard, using ropes made the same way for over 400 years in a brand-new way. Her work has encouraged us to look at new and interesting forms using the rope in our own manufacturing process’
The Master Ropemakers Ltd. continue to manufacture rope at The Historic Dockyard, browse their products, or get in touch if you have a project in mind. You can see The Master Ropemakers in action on our iconic ropewalk during our ropery demonstrations.
You can see ‘Dancing in Time: The Ties That Bind Us’ at the entrance to ‘Rise’ at The Yorkshire Sculpture Park from 14 March 2026.
