Black Beauty fenced in as Great Yarmouth sculpture starts to lean

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrlr9d32zvo

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The sculpture of Black Beauty has been enclosed in temporary fencing after it was found to have partially subsided

A sculpture of a horse has been fenced off for safety reasons after it began to lean less than three months after it was installed.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) invested £330,000 in creating a sculpture trail around the town, featuring a dozen works by local, national and international artists.

The fibre-glass model of Black Beauty was created by Lois Cordelia and inspired by author Anna Sewell and her famous 19th Century novel.

Ms Cordelia said she was "relieved" the subsidence did not appear to be a result of vandalism.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council said the sculpture is awaiting maintenance and repair

The sculpture stands opposite the birthplace of Sewell in Church Plain, near the town's minster, and was unveiled in a ceremony on 13 June.

Ms Cordelia, who painted the model in public view at Great Yarmouth Market Place during the summer of 2024, said: "I am extremely relieved to hear it is not a case of vandalism.

"It has been utterly heart-warming to hear so many appreciative comments since the piece was installed.

"Everyone told me how popular it has been. I very much appreciate the council working hard to resolve the issue swiftly and hope that Black Beauty will be back on full view very soon."

Great Yarmouth Borough Council apologised for any inconvenience caused by the sculpture being fenced off

A GYBC notice on fencing around the sculpture stated: "We are sorry this play area is currently out of action awaiting repair and maintenance.

"For your own safety please keep out of the area. We apologise for the inconvenience caused."

The council has been approached for further details.

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