Origins
It has long been a desire of Rebecca’s to create and donate a beautiful sculpture dedicated to the people of Manchester in recognition of the city’s dynamic industrial past, its present and its future. Her family have been tied to the Manchester textile industry for generations and she has always had a strong connection with the city.
A 12ft Bee sculpture made using 20,000 solid 925 Sterling SIlver is her chosen design, the concepts of which started during the Commonwealth Games and have grown from concept to reality.
Each bee will be dedicated to the sculpture on somebody’s behalf. When you make your dedication you will receive 1x 925 Sterling Silver bee and also one with your unique number will be added to the sculpture. Your bee comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity so you can find your own bee!
You can dedicate the bee to family, friend or business. Get involved with a unique bee sculpture and be a part of Manchesters continuing creative history.
History of the Manchester Bee
The Worker Bee is one of the best known symbols of Manchester. This historic symbol of industry is featured in the Manchester coat of arms and can be found all over the city – from key buildings, to planters, to bins! The worker bee symbolises the hard working industrious nature of the people of Manchester and since the Arena bombing it has been used as a symbol of unity.
It was first adopted at the time of the industrial revolution when Manchester was one of the leading cities of industrial change in this country. Manchester was still a relatively small market town until the late 18th century and the beginning of the industrial revolution. The introduction of mechanised production meant spinning and weaving mills boomed and Manchester was perfectly placed for the construction of these mills. Aswell as the mills leach works, textile print works, engineering workshops and foundries all grew to serve the cotton industry. Manchester was dubbed ‘Cottonopolis’, such was its importance at the centre of the textile industry.
