A bronze sculpture based on Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Lady of Shalott poem, created by an internationally renowned artist, could be soon be showcased on the Isle of Wight.
1 of Timothy Schmalz’s latest creations could go on display at Dimbola Museum and Galleries in Freshwater, showcasing a life-sized effigy of Lady Shallot lying down in a boat.
Mr Schmalz, a Canadian sculptor who mainly creates religious statues and displays his work worldwide, approached Freshwater Parish Council about displaying his artwork, preferably on a site associated with Lord Tennyson.
Dimbola was owned by Tennyson’s friend and work partner, Julia Margaret Cameron, and Tennyson lived at the neighbouring Farringford Estate.
Dimbola has agreed to install the artwork permanently on its land next to its museum and art gallery, near Gate Lane and the attraction’s Jimi Hendrix statue.
As Dimbola is a Grade II listed building, consent is needed to install the statue, and make changes to the surrounding area, from the Isle of Wight Council.
Freshwater Parish Council has submitted the application to the council, also proposing to make the site of the Lady of Shalott statue more accessible.
Visitors can currently only reach the side garden via steps, but a stone path could be installed, along with a pergola and planting.
You can view the plans, 23/01501/LBC, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 3rd November.
I am confused on two parts.
Firstly why did the artist contact Freshwater Parish Council to ask to display this stunning piece of art.? Why not go straight to Farringford House or to the Pop Festival museum.?
Two ~ why have Freshwater Parish Council submitted the planning application.? Why didn’t the Pop Festival museum submit the planning application.?
I am confident that West Wight residents will be overjoyed at knowing how their taxes are paying for a planning application on land that does not belong to the Parish Council.
As the person who made the planning application, I can answer your questions. The approach was made to the Parish Council as it is the custodian of ‘manorial land’ around the village. Several potential sites were considered for the sculpture, and Dimbola was chosen because the trustees of the museum made a generous offer to care for the artwork.
The Parish Council has submitted the planning application because it will be the owner of the sculpture, and because it gets a 50% discount on planning fees. The application was prepared pro bono by me. Arts funding is being sought to cover the cost of installation. Taxes are not being used to pay for the installation.