The famous Dryad and Boar statue located on Bromsgrove High Street was removed this week for essential repair works.

Working alongside The Bromsgrove Society, Bromsgrove District Council have organised the renovation of the statue, which has historic significance to the town.

The statue was removed on 31st January and has been taken to a specialist who will complete the delicate repair and restoration. It is hoped the statue will be back at home on the High Street by the end of March.

The statue which usually stands in the High Street is a replica resin copy of the original sculpture named “Dryad and Boar” made by the Bromsgrove Guild. The Bromsgrove Guild (1898-1966) was founded by Walter Gilbert based on the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement and was made famous for making the main gates at Buckingham Palace and the Liver Birds. The highly skilled artists worked in a variety of mediums, including bronze, lead, glass, wood, and textiles. The original Dryad and Boar was made for Nettlebed Park in Oxfordshire by Swiss sculptor Louis Weingartner of the Guild, at a cost of £150.

Alongside the repair of the replica statue, new information panels are being installed to give details on the history of the artwork, the work of the Bromsgrove Guild and its important role in Bromsgrove's history.

Jo Slade, from The Bromsgrove Society, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Bromsgrove District Council in the renovation of the Dryad and Boar statue. It was unveiled in the High Street in its original position outside the Post Office in April 1983 and later moved to the top of Church Street. Over the years it has been subject to environmental deterioration and general wear and tear being in the busy high street. The work will preserve this important piece of artwork so that future generations can understand the significance of it.”

If you have any queries, please contact the Engineering and Design Team on 01527 64252 3345 or email matthew.mead@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.