Town's stalking dog to be recast after fundraiser

Neil Barnes The black cast dog sculpture standing on top off a wall with the weir mechanics in the background. The dog resembles a border collie when it stalks sheep. Its head is low, tail is down and ears are forward.Neil Barnes
Stalking Dog is part of Bridport's sculpture trail

A damaged but much-loved sculpture of a dog is to be recast following a campaign to save it.

Stalking Dog, by artist Greta Berlin, was installed near Palmers Brewery in 2021 as part of a sculpture trail in Bridport, Dorset.

When the town council revealed the corroding artwork needed to be removed on safety grounds, campaigners raised £6,000 to have it remade in resin.

It is hoped the new version will be reinstated on its plinth above the River Brit later this year.

The campaign has been led by Cleo Evans - curator of the art trail - and author Ros Huxley.

Ros Huxley told Radio Solent that Queenie "captured the hearts" of residents and visitors

Ms Huxley said the crowdfunder, which was launched at the start of April, had reached its target much quicker than expected.

"In this day and age, with so many things asking people for money, it's amazing," she said.

"It's a reflection of genuine enthusiasm for the sculpture."

The dog, which stands above the weir outside Palmers Brewery, was modelled on Greta Berlin's dog, Queenie.

Neil Barnes The stalking dog sculpture on top of the wall above the weir at Bridport. Neil Barnes
Queenie was voted the most popular artwork in the sculpture trail in 2023

Ms Huxley said: "The council will have to take it down because it's unsafe and broken.

"The artist will mend everything, then it will be recast in resin and brought back, hopefully by the autumn.

"Then Queenie will be put back on her plinth on the river and more securely fixed, and we will have an unveiling ceremony."

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