Ceremony marks new home of 'stump' sculpture

The Water Head has been moved from Beeston Square to a new spot in front of the Arc Cinema

The relocation of a 35-year-old town centre sculpture has been officially marked with a ceremony.

The 9ft 2in (2.79m) Water Head - depicting a tree trunk - was moved a few months ago from Beeston Square, in Nottinghamshire, to a new spot in the town in front of the Arc Cinema.

On Saturday, a "rededication ceremony" took place to mark the relocation of the sculpture - known locally as "The Stump" - which is both loved and hated by residents.

Tamar Feast, Beeston and District Civic Society trustee, said: "We really hope the new home for Water Head will be well-received – maybe even enough for people to stop calling it names."

The new location includes a new plaque and is in full view of pedestrians, bus and tram commuters, and has plants around it, said the council

The sculpture is the work of the late Paul Mason, who lived in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, at the time.

It was commissioned by Broxtowe Borough Council in 1989.

The Beeston and District Civic Society said the white marble artwork was once a water feature but was turned off in the 1990s.

The decision to move it from Beeston Square was taken as part of works to improve the area, and create more space for stalls and events, said the council.

The authority asked residents to help find a suitable place to relocate the sculpture.

It was hoped that the new location, with a plaque, and surrounded by plants and bark, would win over residents who previously had mixed or negative opinions about the sculpture, the authority added.

The artist's son - Joe Mason - attended the ceremony, which took place the same day as Beeston Light Night.

Mervyn Brown, from Beeston and District Civic Society, said the sculpture "creates a talking point among the people in Beeston, which means they engage with each other".

He added: "And when they engage with each other they begin to develop a sense of place, and a sense of belonging. That is vital - public art does that."