When I hear the words, “White Horses”, I think of the foamy bits on the tops of waves. Living on the coast as I do, I suppose that that is the obvious first thought. Having just had my second 25th birthday, I am also (just) old enough to remember the kids’ TV programme, “White Horses”. That was a French offering, as I recall. There is a pub called “The White Horse” in the town where I live, so that comes to mind too. The Uffington white horse on the Berkshire Downs springs to mind as well, although, it has now apparently trotted into Oxfordshire. I think there are also some white horses in Wiltshire?
However, the White Horse currently in the news is a horse of an entirely different colour – although it is still white! This particular quadruped (which, as Wackford Squeers will tell you, is Latin for “horse”) is one costing two million quid. Is it a racehorse, perhaps? Horse shit! Of course it isn't. It is a fifty metre high, thirty three times life size statue.
Now, this so-called “Angel of the South” will form part of the Ebbsfleet Landmark Project. It was commissioned to represent the regeneration of north-west Kent. Yeah, I can see that. Horse = regeneration. The link is blindingly obvious (not to me, it isn’t). I know that a prancing white horse is the symbol of Kent, but the imagery escapes me. Peasant that I am. I would have though that a lot more regeneration could have been achieved had they not spent all that cash on a big horse. Again, maybe I am missing something.
On the up side, they have still to gain planning permission for this. So the stable door has not been shut and the horse has not yet bolted.
Facebook Marketplace and the 32-Inch Waist
11 hours ago
Oooh dear! What a cross bear!
ReplyDeleteI quite like a bit of public art myself, although I can't quite see a giant white horse being a southern rival to the Angel of the North (which I still haven't seen).
I also like to see public art as a rule. I am struggling with the thought of 2 million quids worth all in one equine lump, though. I suppose that I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth?
ReplyDeleteAs the great Frank Muir once sang: "May B., it's a big horse, I'm a Londoner".
ReplyDeleteI don't think they've worked out how to make it yet, nor how to keep it reasonably presentable over the next 20 years. The artist doesn't think it's his problem. I suggest they should think that through before making it.
ReplyDeleteA horse is indeed a quadruped, but isn't quadruped Latin for beast - according to Wackford Squeers?
They probably said the same about the Statue Of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower etc. etc. In the bigger scheme of things (think Millenium Dome) £2million isn't a lot of money. And the money isn't burnt, it will go to designers, draughtsmen, steel fabricators, erectors, crane operators, again etc.etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree a horse may seem an odd choice but England has a long relationship with horses, horse racing (again etc.etc.) and Kent's symbol is a horse.
To cut to the chase - I think its a bold idea and it will become a popular, well loved landmark which probably works out a £1 per head for the population of Kent.
(Sorry its not a witty riposte, I'll try harder next time!)
Rog:
ReplyDeleteNot being averse to the occasional pun, I salute the Mr Muir for that one.
Z:
I was working from memory (always a mistake), apologies for misquoting Mr Squeers. I do agree with you about it not being thought through. Do you think they will erect it with it's arse pointing towards France?
Troy:
Your points are sound, sir. I was rather one-sided in my post because I felt like having a bit of a rant. I am not sure it will rival the Angel of the North (looks like a crashed Spitfire to me), but I suspect it will be popular. Personally, I still think it is a pony and trap idea.
I think it should be a sheep.
ReplyDelete