UP, up and unlikely to blow away, the first piece of Ravenswood art has arrived.Hertfordshire artist Rick Kirby's Formation has been installed at the entrance to the ongoing development.

UP, up and unlikely to blow away, the first piece of Ravenswood art has arrived.

Hertfordshire artist Rick Kirby's Formation has been installed at the entrance to the ongoing development.

It represents the soaraway success of the new community, but also has roots in the site's former life as Ipswich Airport.

The six scantily-clad female forms are the artist's interpretation of a Second World War poster of planes flying in formation, being tracked by searchlights.

Mr Kirby's design incorporates the beams from those lights represented in the supporting columns.

The work of art has been hand-crafted from fabricated mild stainless steel plate.

It was constructed by welding small plates together which gives it texture and strengthens his work.

Measuring 8.5 metres high, its effect will be perfected by lights shining up from the base.

This is the first of five art works for Ravenswood – the next will be shaped by the skilful hands of a

chainsaw artist who will visit the community's new school on November 3 when Formation is

officially unveiled.

Formation was chosen from more than 100 entries. Models of the five shortlisted were displayed in Ravenswood School for public scrutiny.

John Stebbing, Ipswich Borough Council's Ravenswood project officer, said: "The standard of the entries was amazing and we had a big task on our hands selecting just five to go through to the final.

"Formation received some glowing comments from people who visited the exhibition and we are sure the flying ladies will be an asset to Ravenswood."

The long list of entries was scrutinised and whittled down by representatives from site developers Bellway, Suffolk College, Ravenswood Resident's Association, the Ravenswood Steering Committee and IBC's public arts panel.

Examples of Mr Kirby's work can be seen opposite the Houses of Parliament and in the Barbican.