A new sculpture celebrating the life of Robert Owen will be unveiled in Newtown on Saturday.

Robert Owen was a Welsh textile manufacturer, philanthropist and social reformer who was born in Newtown 251 years ago on May 14.

The public artwork was commissioned as part of a project to mark the 250th anniversary.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sports Dawn Bowden MS and the High Sheriff of Powys Tom Jones OBE will unveil the new piece of artwork in Trehafren Fields.

The new Robert Owen statue in Newtown. Picture by H18-PDW Photography.

The new Robert Owen statue in Newtown. Picture by H18-PDW Photography.

Professional artist Howard Bowcott has installed the sculpture which he hopes will act as a platform for debate and a place for socialising.

"I envisage a huge roll of textile unfurling across the green swathe of the park. Created in a bespoke, polished white concrete it will be robust, low-maintenance and durable," he said.

"It will draw the viewer across the park. It will invite exploration, rolling, reclining, informal seating, the coming together of people. As artists we have the ability to heal some of society’s wounds."

Designed to illustrate the warp and weft of a piece of textile, the sculpture aims to reflect all aspects of Robert Owen’s history, including those more difficult.

The new Robert Owen statue in Newtown. Picture by H18-PDW Photography.

The new Robert Owen sculpture in Newtown. Picture by H18-PDW Photography.

Writers Sadia Pineda Hameed and Dylan Huw were commissioned to work with the community and compose words in response to Robert Owen’s history through the lens of the 21st Century which are now engraved along the sides of the sculpture.

Dawn Bowden MS said the sculpture tells the story of the mid Wales social reformer in a "full and rounded way"

"The is the new type of approach we’re keen to undertake when commissioning statues and monuments across Wales, which complements the work of our Audit of Commemoration in providing a clear understanding of the legacies of our past.

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"I hope the new art work will provide a new space for the community to enjoy and for others to learn more about the history of Robert Owen.”

People are invited to join the unveiling by meeting at the Oriel Davies Gallery at 12pm on Saturday for a joint procession to the sculpture at 12.15pm. The event is expected to conclude by 1pm.