A cherished public sculpture that has been a beloved fixture in Harlow, England for nearly seven decades has been temporarily removed from its location due to safety concerns. The Harlow Art Trust confirmed that "Donkey," a sculpture created by artist Willi Soukop, was safely relocated from Pittmans Field after structural damage was discovered that had loosened the artwork from its base.
The potential safety issue was first reported by a vigilant local resident, prompting the Harlow Art Trust to take immediate action. Expert art handlers from Mtec were brought in to carefully remove the sculpture and transport it to secure storage while a thorough investigation takes place. Trust officials have assured the community that the plan is to return Donkey to its original location once all necessary repairs and safety measures have been completed.
The sculpture holds extraordinary significance in Harlow's cultural landscape, having been installed in 1955 and earning the distinction of being voted the town's favorite sculpture in a public poll conducted in 2017. Its importance was further recognized in 2016 when it received Grade II listed status, officially acknowledging its cultural and historical value to the community.
What makes Donkey particularly special is the visible evidence of decades of interaction with the public, especially children. The sculpture's ears and back have been polished to a distinctive shine through generations of children climbing, sitting, and playing on it. Interestingly, Sir Frederick Gibberd, the architect of New Harlow and founder of the Harlow Art Trust, initially viewed this wear as unfortunate damage. However, he later came to appreciate how the polishing actually enhanced the sculpture's character and interest, making this wear and shine an integral part of the artwork's story and heritage.
The community's deep attachment to the sculpture became evident during its removal. Catherine Mummery, Director of the Harlow Art Trust, and the Mtec removal team were met with questions and expressions of concern from local residents who had gathered to witness the process. This reaction highlighted how Donkey functions not merely as a piece of public art, but as a cherished part of people's daily lives and personal memories. The presence and awareness of these community members may have actually played a role in preventing potential theft of the sculpture.
Before finding its permanent home in Harlow, Donkey had an important exhibition history. The sculpture was displayed at the prestigious 1949 Pictures for Schools exhibition at London's Whitechapel Gallery, where creator Willi Soukop played an influential role in promoting the integration of sculpture into educational settings. Soukop himself was a Vienna-born sculptor who fled to the United Kingdom during the 1930s as a refugee, and went on to create several other notable public works including "Martins in Flight" for Leicester and "Man and Woman" for Albany House in London.
The Harlow Art Trust, which oversees Donkey and dozens of other public sculptures, was established in 1953 by Sir Frederick and Lady Patricia Gibberd with an ambitious and forward-thinking mission. Their goal was to embed art directly into public life, based on the then-radical belief that sculpture should be accessible to everyone, not confined to traditional gallery spaces. This bold vision proved remarkably successful, ultimately leading to Harlow earning the unique designation as the UK's only official Sculpture Town in 2010.
Today, Harlow maintains its status as Harlow Sculpture Town and houses an impressive collection of over 100 public sculptures created by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The collection includes works by renowned sculptors such as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Elisabeth Frink, making it a world-class outdoor sculpture gallery that continues to attract visitors and art enthusiasts.
The ongoing care and protection of this remarkable collection is made possible through the dedicated efforts of volunteers, including a specialized group known as Sculpture Guardians who help monitor and maintain the artworks. The Harlow Art Trust is now working closely with multiple agencies, including Harlow Council, Essex Police, and the Community Safety Team, to investigate the circumstances that led to the damage and ensure proper security measures are in place for Donkey's eventual return.
The Trust is actively encouraging community involvement in protecting Harlow's unique cultural heritage. They are seeking information from anyone who may have details about the incident, and they continue to welcome new volunteers interested in becoming Sculpture Guardians. Community participation is essential in maintaining Harlow's distinctive identity as the UK's only Sculpture Town, a title earned in 2010 that the community continues to uphold through collective pride and care. Those interested in getting involved, reporting concerns, or volunteering can contact the Trust at gallery@harlowarttrust.org.uk, visit sculpturetown.uk, or follow Harlow Sculpture Town on social media platforms including Instagram (@harlowsculpturetown) and Facebook.
