Save Peterborough Arch!
Peterborough Arch sculpture, which has stood at Thorpe Meadows, overlooking the Longthorpe Parkway for over 35 years was taken down last year as it was in urgent need of repair. We’re now launching a campaign to see it restored and returned to its rightful place and we’re asking for public support in the fundraising appeal.
This much-loved sculpture was commissioned by the Peterborough Development Corporation in the 1980s as part of Peterborough’s expansion and was designed and created by renowned artist Lee Grandjean. It is an important part of Peterborough’s modern history, the linchpin of the wider Sculpture Collection and was voted as Peterborough’s favourite sculpture last year in an online poll. A condition inspection in 2022 showed that the sculpture, made of rare iroko wood, had extensive damage and so it had to be removed for safety reasons.
With repair costs exceeding £50,000, Nene Park Trust is grateful for grant funding already received from The Henry Moore Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund but is now in need of additional public support. The Fundraising team at Nene Park Trust is launching a public appeal, hoping to raise an additional £3000 towards repair costs and to go towards the ongoing restoration and the maintenance and development of the entire Sculpture Collection.
Between 15th July and 15th August, look out for information our website and social channels about how you can support this appeal. There are also two public art workshops being held in Ferry Meadows on the 8th and 12th August 10am-2pm and a creative competition being launched for 4-17 year olds running until 15th August.
Click here to donate to our appeal
Any donation you can make will make a difference and be greatly appreciated by everyone. Thank you!
Further information about Peterborough Arch sculpture:
The Sculpture is part of the Peterborough Sculpture Collection that was established by Peterborough Development Corporation during the development of Peterborough as a New Town. During the 1970s and 80s Peterborough Development Corporation bought and commissioned new artworks by some of the best British sculptors working at the time. They selected artworks that linked with the architectural style and planning of Peterborough and created a collection that reflected the diverse subject matter and practice of British sculptors creating new work at that time. The aim was to create a culturally rich city and a reference point in time for future generations. The Collection currently comprises of thirty sculptures including important works by Antony Gormley and Anthony Caro.
The artist Lee Grandjean was born in 1949. He grew up in Harlow, Essex and studied at the North East Polytechnic and Winchester School of Art. He was Deputy Head of Sculpture at the Royal College of Art, London and has exhibited nationally and internationally. He currently lives and works from his studio in Norfolk.
