BROMSGROVE High Street’s famous Dryad and Boar statue has been taken away for essential repairs.
The district council is working alongside the Bromsgrove Society on the renovation of the statue which has historic significance to the town.
It will be taken to a specialist who will complete the delicate repair and restoration and it will hopefully be back taking pride and place at the end of March.
The statue is a replica resin copy of the original ‘Dryad and Boar’ statue made by the Bromsgrove Guild.
The Bromsgrove Guild (1898 to 1966) was founded by Walter Gilbert based on the principles of the arts and crafts movement and was made famous for making the main gates at Buckingham Palace and Liverpool’s renowned Liver Birds.
The highly-skilled artists worked in a variety of mediums, including bronze, lead, glass, wood, and textiles.
The original Dryad and Boar was made for Nettlebed Park in Oxfordshire by Swiss sculptor Louis Weingartner of the Guild, costing £150.
When the statue returns, information panels detailing its history and the work of the Bromsgrove Guild will be installed.
Jo Slade, from The Bromsgrove Society, said they were delighted to be supporting the council with the statue’s renovation.
“It was unveiled in the High Street in its original position outside the Post Office in April 1983 and later moved to the top of Church Street.
“Over the years it has been subject to environmental deterioration and general wear and tear being in the busy high street.
“The work will preserve this important piece of artwork so that future generations can understand the significance of it.”
Call the council’s engineering and design team on 01527 64252 Ext – 3345 or email [email protected] for more.
