Dudley park statue restored back to former glory (From Dudley News)

Dudley park statue restored back to former glory

9:50am Tuesday 23rd August 2011 in Dudley

A STATUE in Priory Park has been restored to its former glory as part of its ongoing £2.6m Lottery funded transformation.

The carved oak statue, located near the lily pond, was created by artist Jonathan Mulvaney in 1991, after Dudley Council ran a competition for a new unique design.

The statue, which depicts a group of people of different ages and cultures, represents the coming together of different communities, and took Jonathan three months to carve from a five ton piece of oak.

As part of the investment from the Heritage Lottery, it was decided to have the statue’s detailing restored.

Mr Mulvaney, aged 58, now lives in Bath after moving from Stafford over a decade ago, but accepted the invitation to return and carry out the work last week.

Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “Dudley Council and The Friends of Priory Park and Green have worked in partnership to make the Heritage Lottery Fund Bid a success and this is just one of the many great things taking place.

“This is a lovely piece of artwork and it is fantastic that we are able to have it restored to its former glory by the original artist.”

Meanwhile two park rangers have also taken up post in the Dudley park following the lottery cash boost.

Senior park ranger Lydia Wilde will be based in the park from Monday to Friday, while Mark Tarpey will cover Saturday and Sunday.

The pair will work with community groups, The Friends of Priory Park and Dudley Council officers on the transformation project.