Tuesday 2 March 2010

Possible new home for “The Bridge” sculpture

As reported in tonight's "Evening Telegraph", I have welcomed news that the University of Dundee is proactively looking at a new site in the West End for “The Bridge” sculpture that used to be located in Hunter Street at the university campus but was removed at the time of construction of the Dalhousie Building.

“The Bridge" was erected around the early 1980s in Hunter Street and was the creation of artist Ron Martin. It was based on the kind of bridge on a cello or double-bass. You can just make out the 4 notches along the top where the strings would go.

I have been asked by constituents what had happened to the sculpture and asked university secretary Jim McGeorge if there were plans to have it re-sited.

I am pleased that the University has responded positively to my request to have the sculpture re-sited. The university has proposed – at the suggestion of the curator of the Botanic Garden – that it could be placed at the Botanic Garden.

In response, I have asked the university to consult with the Friends of the Botanic Garden on this and I have consulted with a number of constituents who raised the matter and with West End Community Council and the WestFest team.

Wherever the sculpture finally ends up going, it is good that it will be back on public view, hopefully in the fairly near future.