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Sculpture continues to spark debate
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Thursday 7th Mar 2002.
AN administrative hiccup has meant the sculptor of the controversial head statue outside Calne library is waiting for the remaining £2,500 of the £40,000 he thought he was to receive after winning the competition to design the work of art.
This week it emerged that Coun Eric Porter was trying to secure the shortfall with sponsorship from local businesses.
The sculptor, Rick Kirby, confirmed there was some money outstanding but did not want to comment further.
Coun Porter said a simple mix-up had occurred. "There was a slight misunderstanding over what Rick Kirby thought the value was," he said.
"There is no scandal or anything else, but we are now simply going to see if we can top it up."
"This is an administrative matter between me and the sculptor," he added.
It is the third time the sculpture, which was paid for with private money from interested businesses, has caused confusion.
Last week it emerged alterations would have to be made to the statue after it was deemed unsafe by health and safety experts.
The open end of the neck will be filled in so nobody can climb inside it, and metal burring around the eye socket is to be changed to minimise the risk of anyone cutting themselves on it.
The issue of who actually owns the statue, which was intended to belong to the town, is also up in the air.
Calne Town council has agreed to maintain and insure the sculpture but there is currently no legal document saying it owns it.
The council's solicitor is currently looking into the matter.
Town clerk Ann Kingdon said: "The sculpture wasn't paid for with town council money and I am not aware of the problem.
"All I am trying to do at the moment is secure its ownership formally."
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