Antony Gormley's rock sculptures

by Tim Collins

Work costing almost £26,000 to restore sculptures by renowned artist Antony Gormley is nearing completion... ending years of speculation.

In 2010 the pair of rock sculptures were removed from their home of over 30 years, at Singleton lakes near Ashford, by owners Kent County Council.

Designed by the artist who created the Angel of the North, the two ‘boulders’ were Mr Gormley’s first professional commission, and had suffered extensive damage and vandalism.

It had been intended that they would be moved to Ashford railway station once restored, but these plans fell through. Instead KCC chose a site in Maidstone as their new home.

News of how the restoration was progressing has been scant in the years since, with KCC remaining tight-lipped.

But it's now been revealed that the work - which has cost £25,840 plus VAT to date, and has been paid for by the private sector - is almost complete.

KCC is planning to place the sculptures at their new home, believed to be the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone, in the next two to three months.

A spokesman for the county council said: “The sculpture had been the subject of extensive and long-term accumulated vandalism and the repairs were technically difficult and involved.

“The repair works had also been agreed to be delayed in order to allow the various location options to be fully and properly evaluated.

“The sculpture is located at the restorers in the north of England and restoration works have just been completed. A protective finishing coating will be finalised in the last two weeks.

“Work is in progress to resolve the logistical issues involved in the transportation and final placement works involved at the new site in Maidstone.

“It is expected the sculpture will be installed in the next two to three months.”