auto entertainment system: Gromit Unleashed: Two statues vandalised over weekend

Monday, July 1, 2013

Gromit Unleashed: Two statues vandalised over weekend - Bristol24-7

Two Gromit statues have been vandalised in Bristol in advance of today?s official launch of the Gromit Unleashed arts trail

Some of the Gromits arrive in Bristol

Two Gromit statues have been vandalised in Bristol in advance of today?s official launch of the Gromit Unleashed arts trail.

On Friday night, the Poetry in Motion sculpture in College Green, designed by Joanna Lumley, had its tail smashed off.

Meanwhile, yesterday morning, staff at The Spyglass restaurant on Welsh Back found their nearby statue ?Carosello? by Italian artist Giuliano Carapia had been vandalised.

Eighty Gromit sculptures are being unleashed on Bristol?s streets over the summer. On October 3, they will be auctioned to raise money for Wallace & Gromit?s Grand Appeal, the charity for Bristol Children?s Hospital.

Nicola Masters, director of the charity behind Gromit Unleashed, said: ?We are dismayed that anyone would want to damage one of the Gromit sculptures which have been created to raise money to treat sick children in hospital and to provide something for everyone in Bristol to enjoy.?

Organisers added on Twitter later that the two damaged statues would be ?back on the trail soon?. Avon and Somerset Police are investigating the two cases of vandalism over the weekend.

From today, the remaining Gromits will be in locations around Bristol. The statues have been decorated by a line-up of famous names in art, animation, design and entertainment.

Speaking in advance of today?s launch, Aardman?s Gromit creator Nick Park said: ?I still can?t quite believe how many amazing artists have come on board and re-created Gromit in so many different guises. I am thrilled to be part of such a fantastic, community event and can?t wait to start the trail and do some Gromit-spotting.?

For more information about Gromit Unleashed, visit the website here?