Department: Visual Art

The title of Hew Locke’s work references Vulcan, the Roman god of fire who forged weapons for the gods and heroes. Central to the work is the Vulcan machine gun which is carried on Apache helicopters. In this work Locke also responds to the industrial history of Sheffield. During the early 20th century Sheffield plate and steel production was turned over to wartime manufacture and the city became an important producer of machine guns. Locke explores issues of British identity and institutional power in his work. He is fascinated by ideas and images of Britishness in a global context and often creates pieces which comment on empire and royalty.

Display Location: Millennium Gallery