Unique sculpture trail for Putney

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your chance to have a say......

Putney could get a unique one-mile sculpture trail along its riverside with a varied series of works by a nationally recognised sculptor. Sculptor Alan Thornhill, now 84, has lived in the area for many years and still retains studios locally. He has offered the community eight nearly life-size figurative pieces of sculpture.

Putney is already home to one of his sculptures ‘Load’ which has stood on Putney Embankment outside what is now Thai Square for 19 years without ever falling victim to vandalism. Alan Thornhill’s sculptures are by their very nature robust and designed for display in public places.

Town centre manager Stephen Wallace (pictured right) said:

“This is Alan Thornhill’s gift to the people of Putney. It is a terrific gesture. To be able to display so many sculptures by such an respected artist represents a real coup for the town centre.

“We are still working up the details and are looking at suitable locations close to the riverside including Leaders Gardens, Putney High Street, Putney Wharf ,Wandsworth Park and Prospect Quay. This will be a themed display of public art which will take its place as a prominent feature of Putney’s rich artistic heritage.”

The proposals have been developed by the Putney Town Centre Partnership in cooperation with the council. The Partnership Board has received £25,000 funding from the Western Riverside Environmental Fund to complete the scheme.

The balance of the costs of erecting the eight sculptures will come from the council’s town centre improvements programme. Installation is due to take place from February next year following receipt of tenders from specialist contractors and planning approvals.

 The proposal will be considered by councillors at a number of meetings in September and October 2006.

September 18, 2006