‘Eyesore’ Art to Move

Published on: 24 Aug, 2024
Updated on: 27 Aug, 2024

The damaged municipal art in Farnham. Photo Waverley Borough Council

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

A damaged “eyesore” art installation that was “improved no end” by vandals will be moved to a place it is more wanted.

The public work, on the north side of the River Wey next to Longbridge Road, was said to allude to Farnham’s history – but has been the subject of complaints since it was unveiled in 2023.

The installation features 19 black metal cones. It is interactive and invites viewers to walk through the corridor, between cones set 80 centimetres apart. They are held in place with a hidden base with bearings that allow them to be spun by hand.

While some declared it an eyesore that clashes with natural surroundings, others complained about the noise the interactive sculptures made when used. Other said it is a health-and-safety hazard in summer when the metal gets hot.

Not wanting to completely remove the cones, but mindful of the reaction to them, Waverley Borough Council said it will help to relocate the piece to a more suitable place.

To allow a new site to be found, the council’s Planning Committee has agreed to allow it to be kept for a further 18 months. This will give the time to find a new home, before it is restored and moved.

Planning officers told the committee on Wednesday, August 22, that the purpose of the art installation was to “allude to the town’s history”.

The meeting heard: “The damage caused to the existing cones has been quite extensive. Some of the cones don’t even rotate any more, they are fixed into the ground. It was designed to be an interactive installation and reflect the town’s craft and industrial history.

“We think it’s in the wrong place.

“We’ve talked to Farnham Town Council about relocating it but in order to do that we think it’s reasonable to allow for a period of time to look at alternative sites, one of which is next to the University for the Creative Arts in the Evelyn Borelli Gardens where there are already displays of artwork there.”

The officer added: “The recommendation is to allow for retention for a temporary period in order to allow for a suitable site where it can be appreciated because clearly it isn’t here.”

Cllr Penny Rivers

The committee chair, Cllr Penny Rivers (Lib Dem, Godalming Farncombe & Catteshall), said she thought the damage to the cones had actually made them look better.

She said: “When I read this report, the words that made me laugh out loud were that in the opinion of somebody, this was an eyesore – but that was before I saw what they were talking about.

Cllr Jacqueline Keen

“Well personally, I think the damage to those cones has improved them no end.”

Cllr Jacqueline Keen (Lib Dem, Haslemere West) added: “I have to agree they are not very elegant. I can understand that Farnham Town Council is looking for another space, they obviously want to keep these – so they can find a new home.”