Mark Goodchild, Mother Spider, Upcycled HS2 Industrial Waste, Steel, Unique, 70cm high, 150cm wide, 120cm deep

Mother Spider by Mark Goodchild is a bold and imaginative sculpture created entirely from upcycled industrial waste sourced from HS2, the UK’s new high-speed rail project. This unique work measures 70 cm high, 150 cm wide, and 120 cm deep, making it a striking presence in any setting.

The sculpture takes the form of a large spider. Its steel body is carefully assembled from discarded machinery and metal fragments, giving it a raw, industrial character. Every leg, joint, and curve carries the marks of its former life, transformed by Goodchild into an entirely new creation.

Because of the materials, the piece has both weight and presence. The rough textures of the steel contrast with the elegant, organic form of the spider. Thus highlighting the tension between nature and industry.

As with much of Goodchild’s work,  Mother Spider, reflects themes of reuse and transformation. By repurposing waste from one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, he not only prevents material from being discarded but also gives it new meaning. The sculpture therefore invites reflection on sustainability, resilience, and the relationship between human progress and the natural world.