Camilla or Princess Fiona from Shrek? Townsfolk baff led by new sculpture
IT was meant to be the showpiece for new council offices.
But when the sculpture of a woman’s head was unveiled, there was confusion all round.
Locals in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, couldn’t quite work out who she looked like.
The sculpture is supposed to represent Lady Helen Colquhoun, after whom the town was named, and Clota, Celtic goddess of the River Clyde, on whose firth it stands.
But some residents said it looked more like Prince Charles’ wife Camilla. Others suggested it was modelled on Princess Fiona in Shrek.
Some locals are even demanding it be scrapped. One of those fronting the call for it to be removed from the
‘Comments critical, not complimentary’
£8.3million Argyll and Bute Council building is former Provost Billy Petrie.
He said: ‘I have been approached by quite a few people who are all baffled by it – and I have to say I agree with them. Sadly, the comments are all critical and not complimentary. I feel the sculpture is completely out of keeping with such a modern building and suggest that, at minimal cost, it be removed and replaced with the coat of arms of Argyll and Bute.’
Councillor Vivien Dance said it was ‘unacceptable’ members had not been consulted, adding: ‘If Lady Helen had looked like that, no one would ever have named a town after her.’
The £15,000 sculpture, which also features the Helensburgh skyline, was designed by John McKenna. A member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, he also designed the Jock Stein statue outside Celtic Park.
The project was financed by the Anderson Trust, which was founded in 1980 when local artist Annie Templeton Anderson died, leaving part of her fortune to the town.
An Argyll and Bute Council spokes- man said: ‘The recent addition of a piece of artwork on the exterior of the front facade has prompted both questions and comments.
‘In recognition of the community’s interest in this sculpture, the council is developing a number of options which will be considered as soon as possible.’