Locals have relentlessly mocked the 11.5m high ‘eyesore’
The structure called ‘Earth Goddess’ was created by artist Sandy Brown to celebrate the heritage of China clay in St Austell, Cornwall. (Image: SWNS)
Locals are demanding the removal of the world’s tallest ceramic statue dubbed the ’80k kebab’ – claiming there are pigeons nesting in it.
The structure called ‘Earth Goddess’ was created by artist Sandy Brown to celebrate the heritage of China clay in St Austell, Cornwall.
It was unveiled in 2022 but locals have relentlessly mocked the 11.5m high ‘eyesore’ – and even nicknamed it ‘The Pork Sword’.
Priced at £80,000 the statue aimed to put the town ‘on the map’ after three years of construction.
But a new survey of 500 local people revealed 90 percent want it removed – with the local MP saying birds have made it their home.
Local business owners said people regularly complain about the statue – and they want it moved.
Chair of the Town Team and café owner Jake Richards told the BBC most people think it is “out of place where it is”.
He told the BBC: “For some, the artwork has become a symbol of frustration around spending priorities, regeneration efforts, and the perceived lack of meaningful public consultation in decision-making processes.”
The survey did find a small number of people who felt positively about it.
The group behind the sculpture’s original installation does not exist anymore.
Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay Noah Law told the BBC: ”The fact is it’s not much loved by the town.
“There are pigeons nesting in it and there isn’t actually a proper management plan for it, so whether you’re a lover of this kind of art or not there needs to be some proper maintenance and proper place for it.”
