"Ironsmith" Sculpture, Toh Aka Lane

Ironsmith Sculpture, Toh Aka Lane, George Town, Penang (11 April 2013)


"Ironsmith" Sculpture (GPS: 5.41329, 100.33686) is a steel-rod sculpture installed on a wall in Toh Aka Lane, in the inner city of George Town, Penang. The sculpture celebrates Toh Aka Lane for its role as the centre of ironworks in the past century for which it became known as Phah₁ Thik₁ Kay₁ [p^haʔ-t^hik-ke] in Penang Hokkien, meaning "ironworks street".

The "Ironsmith" Sculpture depicts the interaction between a golfer and the ironsmith. The golfer handed over a set of battered golf clubs which he wanted the ironsmith to straighten out. Reversing the idiom of strike the iron while its hot, the ironsmith told him to not strike the clubs when he is hot!

Getting there

It is possible to reach the "Ironsmith" Sculpture on foot from the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. Cross Weld Quay on the pedestrian bridge, then turn left and head down (southwest) Weld Quay until Acheen Street Ghaut. Turn in, continue on Acheen Street Ghaut and turn left at junction with Beach Street. The next junction on your right is Toh Aka Lane, with the sculpture on the left.

List of Steel-Rod Sculptures by Reggie Lee, Marking George Town Sculptures and Penang Street Art