Kingston residents have paid tribute to a much-loved sculpture trail as its animal figures left town after two years.
Created by British-Australian artists Gillie and Marc, the “Wild Kingston” trail of 10 sculptures was installed along Clarence Street.
It was always planned to be a temporary installation and has now moved to Spinningfields in Manchester.
Derrick Simpson, who’s lived in the area since 1981, said: “They brought joy to the streets of Kingston.
“Kids were often seen stroking noses or heads as they came across them. It was an inspired decision to have them installed.”
Other residents shared similar stories.
Resident Kit Brice said: “Watching my boys play and interact with them was a big part of our times in Kingston.
“There were some sad faces when the boys found out the sculptures were going”
The Wild Kingston exhibition was designed to raise awareness of endangered species and the importance of wildlife conservation through a series of interactive sculptures.
The sculptures featured animals including rhinoceroses, a species threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
Some of the figures, such as Hippo and Rabbitwoman (pictured below), were designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to sit alongside the animals.
Wildlife conservation is a recurring theme in Gillie and Marc’s work, which has been exhibited in cities including New York, Sydney, Singapore and Beijing.
Image credit: Kingston First
