This weekend, I was delighted to join the Mayor and many other borough councillors, at the official unveiling by the Mayor of Crawley of the Boy and Sturgeon statue at its new home within Tilgate Park’s Walled Garden, within the pond.
Fondly known as ‘The Boy and the Dolphin’, the statue was a landmark in Queens Square, which has given longer standing residents of the New Town a great deal of joy since the 1950s. He has been on quite a journey over the years, the statue was moved to a central courtyard in the old town hall when Queens Square was being revamped and subsequently he spent a little time “resting” in his secluded holiday home at Tilgate Park when the new Town Hall opened, before finding his new public home most recently.
But there is only so long that a much loved star like the Boy and his sturgeon can stay out of the public view and many residents with fond and nostalgic memories frequently asked where the statue was and when it was coming back into public view.
I know that the Boy and Sturgeon statue holds a special place in Crawley’s history and hearts and it was an exceptional pleasure to see him and his aquatic friend take pride of place in the Walled Garden. We’re proud to preserve this piece of our town’s heritage and give it the visibility it deserves. It’s definitely worth a visit next time you are in Tilgate Park for those who want to relive some old memories, or indeed for any art lover. This is a sculpture of some beauty and artistic merit, still in remarkably excellent condition and a feast for the eyes!
The parks team at Crawley Borough Council also deserve thanks for this major project which has cleared a substantial area of the park, bringing it back into regular usage with a beautiful new fence around the pond as well.
An interesting aspect of this, is that for something so well loved, it has been difficult to find any sources for its provenance. In my searches I could not track down its artist, its origins or when it was constructed. If any well informed readers could shed any light, I think we would be fascinated to learn more.
Crawley Borough Council is committed to preserving and enhancing Crawley’s heritage, recently over a quarter of a million pounds has been invested in important restoration works at Goffs Park House to bring it back to its former glory. In the spring, following planning permission being granted, we will see the restoration and repair works that will see the Ancient Priors being kept up to standards that will ensure it lasts many centuries to come. In addition to this, the council will soon be revealing exciting news on other parts of our borough’s heritage where plans are underway to ensure they too get the love and attention they deserve.
Cllr Michael Jones
Leader, Crawley Borough Council