A cherished dog sculpture has been reinstalled in Bridport, England, following a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised over £6,000 to have the artwork recast. The sculpture, known as 'Stalking Dog,' was created by artist Greta Berlin and depicts her family pet, Queenie.
The original sculpture was removed from its location above the weir outside Palmers Brewery in May after corrosion damage made it unsafe for public display. The artwork had been a popular feature of the Bridport art trail, drawing visitors and locals alike to admire the lifelike representation of the dog.
Art trail curator Cleo Evans and author Ros Huxley spearheaded the crowdfunding initiative, working closely with sculptor Greta Berlin and local businesses to save the beloved piece. Their efforts proved remarkably successful, with the community responding enthusiastically to preserve this important piece of public art.
The fundraising campaign not only covered the costs of recasting the sculpture in resin but also included compensation for the sculptor, who had previously loaned her artworks to the town free of charge. Palmers Brewery contributed to the effort by providing matching funds and offering brewery tours as part of the fundraising activities.
Once the funds were secured, the original sculpture was carefully returned to Berlin for assessment and repairs. A specialist mold maker then created a precise replica of Queenie using more durable resin materials, ensuring the new version would better withstand the elements.
On Monday, a special unveiling ceremony was held to celebrate the sculpture's return. The event was attended by many of the crowdfunding supporters who had made the project possible. Writer Ros Huxley, Mayor Anne Rickard, and sculptor Greta Berlin jointly unveiled the recast sculpture at its familiar spot above the weir.
A spokesperson for Bridport Town Council praised the dedication of the campaign organizers, stating: 'It was Cleo and Ros's energy, creativity, and sheer persistence that made this possible. Without them, she wouldn't be back in place. Thanks to the generosity of the community, including many of whom attended an unveiling on Monday, the target was reached ahead of time.' The successful restoration of Queenie demonstrates the strong community spirit in Bridport and the residents' commitment to preserving public art that enriches their town's cultural landscape.
