Mander Centre sculpture to return to public view
The Mander Centre's iconic sculpture that disappeared last year is set to be put back on public display next month - at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
Rock Form by Barbara Hepworth was the focal point of the Mander Centre's ground floor for 47 years until it was removed by owners Royal Bank of Scotland ahead of a planned redevelopment.
Campaigners and MPs petitioned RBS to put the sculpture back or at least display it in Wolverhampton.
Now RBS have agreed to loan the sculpture to Wolverhampton council.
The sculpture will go on view to the public while the Mander Centre is refurbished, after which it will return to its original home.
Councillor John Reynolds said: "Rock Form is coming home. This sculpture belongs in Wolverhampton and I am thrilled that we've reached an agreement with RBS to loan it to the art gallery. It will be back on public display in the city, just as it was for almost 50 years before it left last year.
"I am very pleased that RBS have honoured their commitment to return Rock Form to Wolverhampton. The views of Wolverhampton people, supported by the city council, have been heard. I would like to pay tribute to the campaigners who worked tirelessly to ensure the sculpture remained in Wolverhampton.
Barbara Hepworth created Rock Form in 1964 and the piece is cast in bronze.
The sculpture was unveiled during the opening ceremony of the Mander Centre in 1968 and was donated by the Mander family.
Tate Britain in London is currently holding a major Hepworth exhibition which has inspired a renewed interest in the artist's work.
