The Beekeeper Statue: Beeston’s Honeycomb Tribute
A lifesize tribute to Beeston’s bee heritage, this serene beekeeper statue blends nature and urban life on High Road.
The Beekeeper Statue, also known as the Statue of Honeycomb, is a lifesize outdoor sculpture located at 47 High Road, Beeston, Nottingham. Created in 1987 by artist Sioban Coppinger, it represents a calm beekeeper quietly smoking his pipe, surrounded by symbolic bees and natural elements, serving as a meditative resting place and a town identity symbol amid the busy shopping street.
A brief summary to Statue of Honeycomb
- 47 High Rd, Nottingham, Beeston, NG9 2JQ, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed bronze bees and natural elements surrounding the statue.
- Take a moment to sit on the integrated benches and reflect on the peaceful symbolism amid the busy shopping street.
- Explore nearby Beeston High Road to see other bee-themed public art and signage that celebrate the town’s identity.
- Look out for the bronze wrens and fishes hidden in the hedge around the statue for a closer connection to local wildlife symbolism.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tram
From Nottingham city centre, take the Nottingham Tram towards Beeston. The journey typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. The tram stops near Beeston High Road, within a short walk to the statue. Tickets cost approximately £2.50–£3.50 one way. Service frequency is every 7–10 minutes during the day.
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Bus
Several local bus routes connect Nottingham to Beeston High Road, with travel times ranging from 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Tickets cost around £2.00–£3.00. Note that some routes may have limited evening service.
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Car
Driving from Nottingham city centre to Beeston High Road takes about 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Limited street parking is available nearby, and some areas require payment. Beeston High Road is pedestrianised, so park in designated areas and walk to the statue. Congestion can occur during peak hours.
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Walking
If you enjoy walking, it takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to walk from Nottingham city centre to Beeston High Road. The route is mostly flat on paved urban streets. Suitable for most fitness levels but not wheelchair accessible for the entire distance.
Statue of Honeycomb location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Statue of Honeycomb
A Symbol of Beeston’s Identity and Urban Renewal
The Beekeeper Statue, also called the Statue of Honeycomb, was commissioned in 1987 as part of a broader effort to regenerate Beeston’s High Road. The local council sought a meaningful public artwork to complement the pedestrianisation and urban renewal of the area. Artist Sioban Coppinger, known for her figurative sculptures, was chosen to create a piece that would resonate with the community and provide a focal point for the town. The sculpture was designed to embody a local hero figure, quietly contemplative and deeply connected to the natural world, reflecting Beeston’s subtle ties to bees and nature.Artistic Composition and Symbolism
The sculpture is lifesize and crafted from ferro-cement, reinforced concrete, reconstituted stone, and bronze. It depicts a beekeeper calmly smoking his pipe, seated on a bench that invites passers-by to rest. Around him, over seventy bronze bees, two wrens, and two fishes are integrated into the surrounding hedge, enriching the natural motif. The beehive and tree trunk elements bring a piece of countryside into the urban environment, symbolizing the coexistence of nature and town life. The beekeeper himself was modeled on a friend of the artist, embodying calmness and patience—qualities essential to beekeeping and life.Community Connection and Cultural Role
Since its installation, the Beekeeper Statue has become an iconic part of Beeston’s civic life. It is affectionately known as the Beeston Seat and serves as a quiet meditative spot amid the bustle of the shopping street. The sculpture has inspired local poetry and festivals, becoming a cultural emblem for the town. Despite some initial public skepticism and even vandalism, it has grown in affection and respect, symbolizing resilience and community spirit. The statue’s presence encourages reflection on the town’s past, nature, and the importance of calm in daily life.Historical Context and Local Significance
Beeston’s name and identity have long been linked to bees, with the town’s name possibly derived from Old English words relating to grasslands or bees. The statue taps into this heritage, visually reinforcing the bee motif that appears in local symbols, street furniture, and signage. It also references Beeston’s transformation from a grassland area to a vibrant urban community. The Beekeeper Statue stands as a reminder of this layered history, blending natural imagery with urban renewal.Design Intent and Urban Integration
The artist intended the sculpture to act as a form of street theatre, capturing public attention and inviting interaction. Positioned centrally on the busy High Road, it provides a moment of pause and contemplation for shoppers and residents alike. The benches incorporated into the sculpture encourage people to sit and engage with the space, fostering a sense of community. The use of natural motifs and the calm demeanor of the figure contrast with the urban surroundings, creating a unique urban oasis.Legacy and Artistic Impact
Over the decades, the Beekeeper Statue has become a beloved landmark in Beeston. It exemplifies the power of public art to shape local identity and enhance urban spaces. The sculpture’s detailed craftsmanship, symbolic richness, and community integration make it a significant cultural asset. It continues to draw interest and affection, standing as a testament to thoughtful urban design and artistic vision in public spaces.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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Location Audience
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