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22 September 2007
The Editor
West Sussex County Times
Market Square
Horsham, RH12 1HD
Dear Sir,
The decision to move Lorne McKean’s iconic sculpture
of swans landing on water from Swan Walk has
come as a shock to many residents. The reason given,
that it follows an environmental and safety review,
seems incomprehensible.
I am sure that many will agree with me that any
environmental or safety issues that there may be are
caused by the earlier misconceived decision to
surround the sculpture with another coffee venue,
destroying the sense of space and creating a narrow
chicane through which pedestrians have to weave past
people carrying hot drinks. It is not the swans that
should go but the café.
Norwich Union’s offer to help to finance its move to
another location misses the point. The sculpture
reflects the name of the centre and is a reminder of
the Swan inn which used to stand on part of the site.
To move the sculpture will destroy this link.
Furthermore, it will be very difficult to find another
suitable location. It needs a large, high space to do
it justice and it needs to be protected from vandals.
Unlike Mr Pirie’s donkey cart it was not designed to
be climbed on. An advantage of its current location is
that the Swan Centre is locked at night and has very
good security when open.
Swan Walk prides itself on being the premier
shopping location in Horsham. It is well run,
providing a pleasant shopping environment; and the
swans are an important part of the experience. It has
made a mistake with this proposal and I hope it is not
too late for it to realise it and restore the swans in
pride of place.
Yours faithfully
John Steele
Chairman, The Horsham Society
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