APRIL DESIGN INTERVENTION – Art Underfoot: Manhole Covers

It’s not often that we can legally walk on or drive over works of art; but we have been doing it every day for hundreds of years!  Under our feet and under our nose is utility turned art! 

Decorative cast iron cover plates provide access to sanitary and storm water systems, water meters and electrical vaults. The Romans were the first civilization to place lids over trenches and underground conveyance systems located below their streets.  Pre-dating the advent of cast iron, the Romans used carved stone caps and wood that could be removed for easy access.  More at Lancaster Newspapers on-line.