Giant Fish entwine on a Kentish roundabout
Motorists in Erith recently have been startled to find a set of giant mosaic fish entwined on a roundabout in Bronze Age Way. (So startled in fact that one motorist is reported to have run into it). They were even passed by the peleton of the Tour de France on their way when Stage 1 of the race took place in south east England this year
The fish, formally known as the De Luici Pike, are one of a number of public works of art recently installed in Erith. The ‘Erith Fish’ at it is locally known, was runner up in the Rouse Kent Public Art Award 2007, which is given each year by Kings Hill developer Liberty Property Trust UK Ltd, Kent County Council and Arts Council England, South East. Canterbury. The sculptor Gary Drostle and the council shared the £10,000 award.
Gary Drostle told the press he was delighted his work had been honoured. He went on: “I was amazed to do so well as the competition was very stiff. The sculpture is an unusual piece of work and it is great to be recognised in this way.”
According to a Bexley Council press release the sculpture aims at combining a sense of Erith’s past through the use of the old town coat of arms (three fish) with a hopeful view of the future – with the realisation of the Thames’s key role in Erith’s future.
The Folly Fancier 