Lagoon sculpture restored thanks to funding

We are pleased to share that essential repair to an important artwork in the City has been carried out, supported by The Henry Moore Foundation and using public funding through Arts Council England.

Lagoon, the artwork by sculptor Anthony Caro, is located outside The Key Theatre in the City Centre and is part of the city-wide Peterborough Sculpture Collection. The funding has allowed conservation specialists Hall Conservation Ltd. to carry out essential repairs caused by graffiti and weathering. The conservation work means the sculpture can remain on display for residents, visitors and theatre-goers to enjoy.

Below: Lagoon before the conservation work

Sir Anthony Caro (1924–2013) was a trailblazer in contemporary sculpture. Trained as an engineer, Caro was once an assistant to the pioneering sculptor Henry Moore. Caro broke away from tradition by placing his abstract works directly on the ground, inviting viewers to explore them as part of their everyday space. His work is celebrated in major collections worldwide, including Tate Britain, London.

Lagoon was created in 1976 and is made from large-scale interlocking industrial sized pieces of steel – similar to building materials like girders and joists that can be seen on building sites across the city. As you walk around, the welded and bolted metal forms cast ever-changing shadows and outlines, it will also appear different every time you see it.

If you have lived in Peterborough since the 1980s you might remember the artwork being originally sited outside Stuart House in 1984, then Thorpe Meadows. Since 2018, the sculpture has taken pride of place in front of The Key Theatre.

The sculpture is part of a city-wide sculpture collection cared for by Nene Park Trust.

For more information about the project contact art@neneparktrust.org.uk