Antony Gormley statues removed from the Water of Leith last year (Breaking news, 5.11.12) may at long last be returned to the river, according to an email released today by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.
The four human figures were extracted after repeatedly toppling over before stronger and more frequent currents than had been predicted. At fault was a pin mechanism – imposed as part of the statues’ planning consent – which unbalanced the figures to prevent them collecting debris during any potential flood event.
In April this year, Spurtle approached the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) to ask about progress. A spokesman told us: ‘In discussions with the artist, we are now reviewing the installation and siting of the figures so that we can improve their resilience to flood conditions without causing obstructions.’
Despite explicit requests, no further details about timing, positioning or changes to the technical specification were forthcoming.
As suspected, alterations to the current tilting mechanism are being arranged in consultation with a structural engineering firm.
This long overdue suggestion of progress is welcome. But the schedule is (again) disappointingly vague.
‘I should stress,’ continues the email, ‘that the length of time before we see the figures back in the river is still uncertain (due to the complexity of the project) but rest assured we are working hard to try and get them back in place.’
Note that last bit of wording carefully: try and get them back in place.
Worryingly for admirers of the Six Times project, NGS have left themselves acres of wriggle room.
---------------
Fraser Cook I look forward to their return!