Police probe vandalism of sculptures on riverfront
Apparently not everyone in our community takes pride in the Windsor Sculpture Park.
Police are asking for tips about the recent vandalism of two of the publicly owned artworks on Windsor’s picturesque riverfront:, one called Tiger and the other called Business Man on a Horse.
The damage to Business Man on a Horse was reported on March 3.
Police learned the sculpture, valued at an estimated $220,000, is missing its tail.
Investigators believe the damage was intentional because removing the statue’s tail requires the use of tools.
Canadian artist William Mcelcheran created Business Man on a Horse in 1989. The sculpture stands nine-feet tall and is made entirely of bronze.
A similar statue by Mcelcheran is at St. Michael’s College on the University of Toronto campus. Critics have described the artwork as both satirical and heroic, depicting a rather chubby man in traditional business attire riding a large horse.
Damage to the second sculpture, Tiger, was reported to police on Monday. Investigators learned the ball-like artwork on the western end of the sculpture park is now missing its bronze head.
Situated in a fenced spot near the children’s area of the park, Tiger is credited to artist Alphonse Duquette. It has been described as a “whimsical” example of “found object art.”
When intact, the sculpture has a spherical orange body painted with tiger stripes and bronze attachments depicting a tiger head and claws.
In its last assessment, Tiger was valued at $13,600.
Windsor police said they believe the recent damage to the sculptures are related incidents, and reminded the public of the value of reporting suspicious activity.
“This is a crime that affects our entire community and the enjoyment of many people who use our beautiful riverfront daily,” police said on Tuesday.
Anyone with information about either vandalism incident is encouraged to call police at 519-2556700, ext. 4350. Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or catchcrooks.com.