On this day last year, a life-size sculpture overlooking Prestatyn was reported as having been 'destroyed', with the statue knocked over and its arms removed.
The sculpture, one of two female figures installed in 2017 at the Hillside Gardens shelter, was discovered vandalised by residents on a walking tour.
They noted the 'very odd' appearance of the figure, which had been knocked off its platform and had its arms 'chopped off'.
The other sculpture remained unharmed, now cutting a 'lonely figure' on the hill, as one resident described.
Created by Rossett-based chainsaw artist Simon O'Rourke, the sculptures represent a modern-day walker and one from the 1920s.
The 1920s sculpture marks the era the shelter was built, while the modern-day rambler is intended to represent the Offa's Dyke National Trail.
The figures were installed with funding from Denbighshire County Council’s Town and Area Plan (TAP) funding, Natural Resources Wales, Prestatyn Town Council, and the Burbo Bank offshore wind farm, with assistance from the local Offa’s Dyke Support Group.
Mr O'Rourke had spent 'under three days' on each sculpture and installed them himself.
At the time, he said the venture had been 'very rewarding'.
This story was first reported by Marko Vranic on August 21, 2024.
Share