Varley was born in Poolsbrook near Staveley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire and left school at 15 to become a craftsman, first in the local iron works and then for the local mining industry.
In 2002, it was announced that construction of the 40 metre high sculpture, designed by Richard Swain and Adam Walkden would be commenced at Poolsbrook, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire.