Iconic Peterborough Ferry Meadows sculpture to be removed from park after 34 years

An iconic sculpture that is seen by thousands of people every day is set to be removed to allow vital conservation work to be carried out.

Nene Park Trust has confirmed that the Peterborough Arch sculpture located in Thorpe Meadows will be temporary removed to allow conservators to inspect the

sculpture. The impressive large-scale sculpture by artist Lee Grandjean has been enjoyed by drivers along Longthorpe Parkway and visitors to Thorpe Meadows since 1988 and provides a unique landmark on the western approach to the city.

Matthew Bradbury, Chief Executive at of Nene Park Trust said: “The sculpture is an iconic landmark in Peterborough and represents the important role that the city and our beautiful greenspaces have played and continue to play in welcoming new communities to the city.

"We are hopeful that the sculpture can be reinstated next year after some much-needed care and attention”.

The work was carved from Iroko wood and pegged together.

Once the extent of the works is known, Nene Park Trust will fundraise to ensure this well- known sculpture is not lost from the city.

Mr Bradbury added: “As a charity we are anticipating that we will need significant public support to ensure this important landmark can be re-installed. Once we know the extent of the works required we will be looking at how we can generate the funds needed to return this

much loved sculpture to the city.”

Lee Grandjean selected the site for the Peterborough Arch aligning it with the city centre and the cathedral. The linear shapes represent the architecture of the city and the organic shapes represent the greenspace and landscape that residents enjoy.

The Sculpture is part of the Peterborough Sculpture Collection that was established by Peterborough Development Corporation during the development of Peterborough as a New Town.

During the 1970s and 80s Peterborough Development Corporation bought and commissioned new artworks by some of the best British sculptors working at the time. They selected artworks that linked with the architectural style and planning of Peterborough and created a collection that reflected the diverse subject matter and practice of British sculptors creating new work at that time.

The Collection currently comprises of thirty sculptures including important works by Anthony Gormley and Anthony Caro.