Andy Scott Sculpture

Towering Gypsy Cob sculpture stands tall in London Borough

Londoners in the Borough of Bexley have witnessed the installation of a stunning new piece of public art, designed by internationally renowned sculptor Andy Scott.

The 5 metre (16ft) high steel design was erected earlier this month at the roundabout between Picardy Manorway and Bronze Age Way and is the artist's first sculpture in London.

Andy Scott's work is a stunning 'Gypsy Cob' horse - the winning design having been selected through a public vote in which nearly 400 people took part for the Belvedere Public Art Scheme. Weighing approximately two tonnes, the sculpture has taken 10 months to build.

"I am delighted to bring this commission to fruition. It has been a challenge to capture the spirit of these horses and I hope the artwork will become a much-loved local landmark and will become synonymous with the area," said Andy Scott.

"The striking horse sculpture tosses its head and mane in the air with its tail flowing behind in the wind, designed to celebrate the industrial and cultural heritage of the Belvedere area and to create a local landmark for residents, visitors and businesses within the industrial estates," said Saskia Delman, Arts Manager, London Borough of Bexley.

The whole Borough has expressed a huge thank you to all the local people who took part in voting for the winning design. Some of the comments from the surrounding community were extremely positive and we look forward to seeing the reaction in the coming weeks and months."

"Horses were bred and kept on Belvedere marshes for hundreds of years and many of them were kept and reared by the local Gypsy population. I think that this should be recognised and celebrated," said one local resident.

"The horse is vivid, alive and proud and represents everything good about the area."

The Belvedere Public Art Commission is part of a £10.6 million Belvedere Green Links regeneration programme, which is externally funded by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA), European Regional Development (ERDF) and the London Development Agency (LDA).

Andy Scott's portfolio extends to over 70 art commissions in Scotland and internationally. "The Thanksgiving Square Beacon" in Belfast artwork has become an icon for the regeneration of the city and adopted as a symbol for the Belfast tourism authority.

He is also the artist behind the spectacular Arria sculpture overlooking the M8O motorway at Cumbernauld in Scotland, recently installed in August last year.