15-metre sculpture, Tower of Now to open in the heart of Bradford and transform skyline

• Internationally acclaimed artist, Saad Qureshi, creates major new public artwork for the
  heart of Bradford
• The sculpture incorporates architectural features from around the globe including Gothic, Flemish, Roman, and Chinese
• Commissioned as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Qureshi’s sculpture is emblematic of the city’s unique blend of history, architecture and industrial legacy

20 February 2025. A bold new public artwork, Tower of Now, by Bradford-raised Saad Qureshi, will be unveiled on 26th April, becoming a striking addition to the city’s skyline. Located at Hall Ings, the piece reflects Bradford’s rich layered history and diverse cultural communities, and produced by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Rooted in the idea that Britain today is a place of extraordinary cultural variety, Tower of Now takes inspiration from a rich tapestry of architectural styles – including Gothic, Flemish, Roman, and Chinese – and religious traditions spanning Judaeo-Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and Buddhist influences.
These elements come together in a stunning visual statement that acknowledges the complexities and beauty of the shared histories in Bradford and across Britain. Saad Qureshi is a critically acclaimed British artist whose work explores memory, cultural identity, and belonging. Born in Pakistan and raised in Bradford from the age of 8, he quickly found his place in what he calls “a community defined by diversity”. From this he draws on the city’s diverse heritage and his own multicultural experiences. Winner of The Frieze & The OWO Sculpture Prize, his work Convocation is currently on view at Rafles London. In 2023, he created a permanent Organ Donor Memorial for Royal London Hospital, and he was shortlisted for the 2021 Sky Arts LANDMARKS prize. He has also completed public commissions for Oxford Brookes University and LandSec, London. Tower of Now is his most ambitious work to date, featuring his signature intricate woodwork on a monumental scale—taller than three double-decker buses.
For Qureshi, whose work often explores memory and place as well as his upbringing in Bradford, this sculpture represents how our surroundings influence our sense of identity. Tower of Now is both a tribute to Bradford’s past and a celebration of its present, acknowledging the city’s industrial heritage from the wealth of the wool trade to the architectural influences brought back by mill owners from their travels. It also honours the industries that have attracted people from across Europe, Asia, and beyond, making Bradford a microcosm of Britain’s cultural diversity. As it takes its place on the skyline this April, the sculpture will stand as a powerful symbol of the communities that shape the city today.
As the 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford will showcase its rich heritage and diverse communities through a year-long programme of events and artistic commissions. Tower of Now sets the stage for this celebration, reflecting the city’s spirit of inclusivity and cultural exchange.