LOOK II, the sculpture designed by world famous artist Sir Antony Gormley, has created plenty of debate since its installation on West Hoe Pier in September last year.
Now, in the wake of some false information about the sculpture, Plymouth City Council has published an extensive fact file in the form of a Q&A which can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/newsroom/plymouthnews/findoutfactsaroundlookii
The story behind LOOK II began in 2017 when the Council’s Cabinet agreed to support a number of major projects as part of the Mayflower 400 programme. This had cross-party support and included a ‘world class artwork’ to be unveiled in 2020, along with the opening of The Box.
Plymothians have given the sculpture the nickname of Rusty Reg, reflecting its rusty look. Made from 22 blocks in one cast iron form and weighing three tonnes, the engineers and designers have calculated it will still be sturdy after 100 years as long as it is looked after.
The council have denied claims that the sculpture cost £750,000 pointing out that this figure included a number of projects in the area, including essential strengthening works to protect West Hoe Pier against damage from the sea.
LOOK II was funded through the council’s capital budget and part of the Mayflower 400 programme for the city, where the council’s contribution of £5 million was matched by another £4.5 million from other organisations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council.
The council point out that because LOOK II was part of the capital programme, the money could not have been spent on core services such as road repairs or helping the homeless – which are paid for through the revenue budget which is funded from Council Tax.
In response to suggestions that LOOK II should not have gone ahead during the pandemic the council point out that decisions about funding a monument were made in 2017, while the decision to install LOOK II and all the planning work involved took place before the pandemic.
The council highlight the benefits of LOOK II by pointing out:
“Antony Gormley is famous around the world. It’s a real coup to have one of his artworks here in our city.
“We hope that the sculpture will act as an attraction for visitors to the city from around the region and the rest of the country.
“They will come to Plymouth, they’ll eat, they’ll probably shop, they might even stay over, which puts more money into the Plymouth economy and in the long term, helps residents and businesses to prosper.
“We’ve had feedback from people who love Look II and people who hate it. But it has caused a discussion, and has definitely taken its place amongst the sights that our fantastic city is known for.”
