Along with my husband, I just returned from a short trip to the UK and while there, couldn't resist the opportunity to go and see Verity. Our niece and economic development officer for North Devon was part of the process to bring Verity to Ilfracombe. Of course the artist and sculptor Damien Hirst was the initiator of placement for his statue but it was easy, in reflection of my conversations with locals, to compare the differing opinions of Verity with another well known British female personality. This was the week for the funeral of Margaret Thatcher and you couldn't turn on the radio or TV without hearing a different opinion of her reign. Both these characters, real and symbolic were and are immensely powerful and equally controversial. Just the size alone of Verity gives rise to emotion. What she symbolises is up to the individual but regardless of opinion, her placement on the quay of Ilfracombe harbour has resulted in more visitors, more tourist money into the region and a lot of stimulating and enjoyable communication between strangers and residents alike. To the forward thinking administrators of the region I say 'Congratulations'! I think she is magnificent. By no means am I suggesting we bring a Verity to Cranbrook but this move on the part of Devon authorities does demonstrate the place art might play in a community's economy.
What is Verity quietly holding behind her back? Scales of Justice.
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