Public Monument and Sculpture Association National Recording Project
Big Bluey Photograph
Region ID | GW | |
Work ID | 73 | |
Manual Reference | WL/006 | |
Title | Big Bluey | |
Sculptor | Benson, Philip | |
Date of design | 1994-1995 | |
Year of unveiling | ||
Unveiling details | ||
Road | Kelvin Walkway | |
Precise Location | Outside the Big Blue Diner, below the Great Western Road Bridge | |
A to Z Ref | 35 J15 | |
OS Ref | ||
Postcode | G12 | |
Work is | Extant | |
Listing Status | Not listed | |
Duty of Care | The Big Blue | |
Commissioned by | Proprietors of The Big Blue | |
Notes | ||
Leaping dolphin, carved from stump of a condemned poplar tree that had toppled into the River Kelvin. Stained blue | ||
In April 1994 an 80ft poplar tree toppled into the River Kelvin. Philip Benson walked into The Big Blue, 'pointed to the tree outside and said "buy me the tools and I'll carve you a dolphin".' He handed over a carving as collateral and the owner of The Big Blue, Sandro Giovanazzi, agreed to put up the money and contact the Council for permission. Workmen left a 15ft stump which Philip Benson carved in situ (1) | ||
circa | ||
raw year | ||
Condition | Poor | |
At risk | Don't know | |
Inscriptions | On a plaque on the dolphin's back: BIG BLUEY / CREATED BY / PHILIP BENSON 1995 | |
Signatures | ||
Elements
Element Details
Part of work | Material | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
Whole | Wood (poplar) | |
Assessment of Condition
Surface Character
Detail | Comment |
|---|---|
Biological growth | Fungi at base of sculpture |
Structural Condition
Structural Condition | Comment |
|---|---|
Broken, missing parts | Left fin broken off |
Vandalism
Vandalism | Comment |
|---|---|
Structural damage | As above (an attack on the restaurant) |
