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Fresh uproar over artwork
Saturday 26th September 2009, 11:40AM BST.
Fresh controversy erupted recently over a sculpture in Shrewsbury celebrating Charles Darwin.
Some of the councillors who originally approved the cash to be set aside for Quantum Leap in Mardol Quay said that it looked nothing like what they were led to believe.
Former members of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council’s cabinet have also criticised the way costs for the sculpture have spiralled from £350,000 to £450,000.
But Charles Armstrong, former portfolio holder for culture at SABC, defended it claiming it was an important cultural piece of public art, which would become something the town would be proud of.
The now extinct SABC originally approved for £500,000 to be set aside for celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Darwin this year – with half of that being used as a contribution towards the art sculpture project.
Councillor Peter Nutting, leader of the SABC cabinet at the time, said: “I am quite shocked at the amount of public funding that seems to have been added to the scheme since the demise of SABC. What’s there is nothing like the original scheme that was intended.”
Councillor Mike Owen said: “I personally don’t think it fits in well with a medieval town like Shrewsbury.”
Judith Williams said: “I just cannot believe it. I think it is an appalling waste of public money.”
Councillor David Roberts added: “I think it’s the most hideous thing that has ever been created.”
Councillor Malcolm Price said he would have thought the work “could have been completed within the original budget”.
But Mr Armstrong said the sculpture had been hit by technical problems but those had now been rectified.
George Candler, for Shropshire Council, said: “Once complete, Quantum Leap will stand as an iconic piece of public art that Shrewsbury, Shropshire and the West Midlands can be proud of.” Other cabinet members Tim Barker, Tudor Bebb and Claire Wild did not wish to comment and Peter Adams was unavailable for comment.
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This is beyond a joke now…Councillor Peter Nutting, leader of the SABC cabinet at the time, said: “I am quite shocked at the amount of public funding that seems to have been added to the scheme since the demise of SABC. What’s there is nothing like the original scheme that was intended.”
… WELL DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT THEN AND STOP WASTING THE PUBLICS MONEY!
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Thank you!! Phew..at last!..the optical mists are clearing! Looks like the office of ‘portfolio holder for culture’ is soon to be an extinct species….
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Oh! wind your necks in!! Let’s see what it looks like when it’s FINISHED before we all start criticising! As for a councillor moaning about how much is being spent…….?!?!?!?
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What a complete and utter waste of public funds.
No matter how vivid ones imagination is there is no relationship between this monstrosity and the great Darwin.
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Before CA says it we are not moaning, but this is an obscene waste of public money it’s enough to make some local charities weep. Some may grow to like it, but proud?? yes if they have nothing more important in there lives.
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No matter what proposals there seem to be in Shrewsbury there are a good majority of people that seem to what to moan and complain.
Charles Darwin challenged perception and pushed the boundaries, and I think that anything erected to celebrate the man and his achievements should also do just that!
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I am at a loss to understand how a pile of concrete mouldings can cost so much, or indeed be classed as Sculpture?
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What a waste of tax payers money, plus it is ugly. All of these pieces of “public artwork” are just concrete messes and turn small towns into dirty grotty city’s.
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The cost is far too much and it looks a mess now but I hear (even here) that part of it is to be cemented up to stop the idiots from climbing all over it, so why waste money in the first place.
Another nice statue of him would of been better recieved.
John Cherrington Switzerland.
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Knock it down and stop wasteing our money.No one in there right mind wants it,Its an eye sore already. Please listen to the people for once.
J.D Hampton
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It sure looks like a wood louse.
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Whatever you think about the cost, the fact is that what is being built looks nothing like the artist’s impression – light, white and airy has become bulky, grey and squat.
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I agree with Flashing Hare – disaster. The concept pictures are what the SABC had to go by, but did it not occur to them to do a site visit with the measurements 1st to discover the ‘artists impression’ exaggerated the size and scale of the thing. Also where were the infamous ‘elf-’n-safly lot to anticipate it was ripe for climbing on before now. Using stainless steel or another metal like copper as part of the piece would have enhanced the effect falling rain is supposed to add to the experience. Plain concrete an be used to superb effect but imho not with this.
It take courage and expertise for Councils and Companies to commission successful Landmark Sculpture. I get the impression SABC did not do enough research into what Landmark Sculpture is. A lesson for Shropshire Council in the future? Incidentally I understood with new builds, like the Theatre Severn, 1% of the build cost had to be spent on ‘Art Works’ does this rule still apply and if so was that money used for this piece?
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Was it not Nutting and his cohorts voted for this in the first place. Now they are effectively redundant from SABC they have the gall to moan about costs. It is a total waste of money as was the £15000 spent on the party to mark the demise of SABC. Who the dickens can Council tax payers trust to be frugal with our money?
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Peter Nutting, Charlie Armstrong and George Candler – it’s all a total disgrace , the concrete heap, the ugly bland design, the location, the ridiculous spiralling cost, the contractor (tech. Problems ??) etc etc Hello ! Sorry, we do not like it ! Come on boys, admit defeat graciously and pull it down, otherwise this scandal will go on and on. Put it down to a bad experience and learn from it. Let’s have a decent bronze sculpture in the square of a chimp standing, chewing a straw and reading the Shropshire Star. That would be an iconic piece of public art, representing Darwin and Shrophire (Straw and Star)
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I think the best place for this toast rack and the Tesco’s sheep is the old landfill site at Berrington. It saddens me as a rate payer who is trying to economise.
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we must stop the Labour waste, we must stop arty stuff and we must get out of the EU and cut taxes now, damn the council with their social objectives, and all this nonesense, its MY TAXES they are spending.
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If I wished to erect a sculpture such as this I would require planning permission or building regs. I would have to submit plans which would include a drawing of such. I would also get several costings to construct not an estimate but a inclusive price. Now why do professional people who are not spending their own money make such stupid decisions. These people need bringing to account for the waste they have caused us. Not denying blame
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The now ‘defunct’ SABC voted for the thing, and now the old councillor individuals can’t wait to distance themselves. And what is Judith Williams being quoted for – this was her pet project, and now she’s lost her seat, she’s against it. Typical shallow politicians, change with the wind. I personally like it, but half a million is a total waste.
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A nice plaque of monkey to man would of been loads better, definitly safer & most likley cheaper.
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It’s time Pearce & Lal {the artists} came forward or were ‘encouraged’ to come forward to give us their point of view. You don’t sell a house and then erect a toolshed.
Gentlemen??? We are waiting……..
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I like and agree with the comments of #13 EnglishFolkfan, #18 Dave E and #19 James but not #16 Dave E as the sheep at Harlescott are brilliant.
As has been put, the principle behind this sculpture and Shrewsbury embracing public art is great but it was not thoroughly considered. This is possibly because of the changes to the council that were coming in and so there was pressure for certain people to enjoy the hoped for glory before they sunk into obscurity. (we hoped!)
The whole guildhall, theatre and football stadium situation of the last decade has been appallingly handled and we will pay the price for years to come. In comparison the sculpture is small fry but ironically it has the power to be the worst and most memorable mistake.
I hope it can be salvaged to a degree which I still believe will mean trees having to be removed and I personally think that concrete is a great underrated material but trying to push its boundaries was, in my view, over ambitious.
The councillors apparently loathing the sculpture are just the people who will keep Shrewsbury a boring and parochial little town.
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Tory Boy Correct me if i am wrong but the council that has squandered this money on this heap was in fact TORY, it is clear you dont know what you are talking about and so few people take time out to reply to your constant inane drivel
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I was always taught that fools and children should never see a job until its finished. I am sceptical but I think opinions should be reserved until it is officially unveiled. And then I fear the flood gates will open.
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At least its providing work and local jobs for people the longer it goes on. Plus it is already providing entertainment value and will be a tourist attraction for many many years.
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