There he was - gone! by fishers

There he was - gone!

Two photos today, taken a year apart.

The upper shot shows the sculpture 'Seated Figure' on Brown Hill at the south end of Castleton Rigg on the North York Moors, and was taken last year. The landowner was given permission to install this sculpture for a period of three years, and this prominent site had a new landmark, with a view west over Westerdale, north along Castleton Rigg, east into Danby Dale and south over open moorland. The sculpture became a very popular visitor attraction, with thousands making their way to see the sculpture and the views. Sadly this brought serios erosion to the moor, which brings us to the recent view.

The second shot was taken last Saturday, with the 'Seated Figure' having been removed. The erosion of the moor meant that the decision was taken to remove the sculpture a year earlier than originally planned, to prevent further damage. It has been moved to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park near Wakefield. The local vegetation will now reclaim the worn area, and within a few years the damage will heal.

We walked along Castleton Rigg last Saturday, towards Castleton village, and only saw 2 other walkers, when a year ago there might have been a hundred.

Ian
A good idea to safe the sculpture in time.
August 28th, 2019  
Shame he couldn’t stay, he looked so good there. But at least the area can restore.
August 28th, 2019  
Like the scene with the sculpture!
August 28th, 2019  
What an interesting story, so sad the sculpture had to be removed but glad it has gone to a good home
August 28th, 2019  
Joy
I like the photo with the sculpture. It is a shame it isn't there any more. Fav
August 28th, 2019  
Great photos comparing what a difference a year can make
August 28th, 2019  
Fascinating details, thank you.
August 28th, 2019  
Great shots of the view. A good idea to safe the moor.
August 28th, 2019  
Lee
I didn't know about this, I probable would have gone to Photograph it. Good shot and info.
August 28th, 2019  
I'm so glad it was removed for a legitimate reason, I thought it was vandalism when I first looked at the photos
August 29th, 2019  
So glad it was removed to a safer place
August 29th, 2019  
@bruni @casablanca @photographycrazy @busylady @joylay @seattlite @peadar @pyrrhula @gamelee @kjarn @onewing

Thank you all for your comments and fav, they are very much appreciated.

By coincidence I found photos on facebook yesterday evening of the sculpture in its new home in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Although still in a location with a view, it is nowhere as impressive as it's old location.

Ian
August 29th, 2019  
a beautiful statue and view. I too first thought it was vandalized. The statue reminded me of Rip Van Winkel, don't know why.
Glad the statue has found a new home
Pity, it could not stay there and be fenced in, as you say, it became a landmark but I suppose they know what they are doing.
August 29th, 2019  
@ninaganci Thank you Nina, I will miss the 'Seated Figure', but sadly the erosion on the moorland path to where it was sited was quite bad. Heather moorland is quite a delecate landscape, so it will have time to recover and regrow now.

Ian
September 1st, 2019  
Nice befor and after shots:)
September 2nd, 2019  
@stevepam Thank you, I'm glad you like it!

Ian
September 8th, 2019  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.