Promises have now been made to return Rock Form back to the City for public display once more.
Cllr Roger Lawrence said, “I’m delighted to confirm that, following detailed and productive discussions between the council and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Barbara Hepworth’s Rock Form sculpture will soon be back on full display to the people of Wolverhampton.
“People will recall that the council has been working hard alongside community campaigners to bring the statue home. I wrote to the Chancellor George Osborne back in August seeking assurances over its whereabouts and future, we have also spoken out against it being taken away from the city many times.
“The sculpture, which was removed from the Mander Centre this summer after 46 years, will have a new, temporary home in the City’s art gallery. It will then return to the Mander Centre once its’ major refurbishment is complete in two-three years’ time.
“Rock Form is a fantastic piece of modern art. It’s had a huge connection to our City for nearly half-a-century and its presence is something Wulfrunians are immensely proud of. The base of the sculpture contains a time capsule containing items donated by Wolverhampton children and businesses – again symbolising its strong links to the City.”
“I thank the local community campaigners who have pressed for the sculpture’s return, their efforts have demonstrated what Rock Form means to local people and they have had a major influence on this positive outcome.
“I’m really pleased that we have been able to persuade RBS to return thesculpture to public display and hopefully Wolverhampton people will be able to enjoy it for decades to come.”