Forward sculpture destroyed by fire

The Forward sculpture in Centenary Square, one of Birmingham's best known pieces of public art, has been destroyed by fire.

The fire broke out on 17 April, and the sculpture was badly damaged before firefighters could bring it under control. Police are treating the fire as arson.

A symbol of the city

Forward was created by the Birmingham-born sculptor Raymond Mason and unveiled in 1991, as part of the redevelopment of Centenary Square alongside the new International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall.

The sculpture took its name from the city's motto, "Forward", and showed a procession of figures from Birmingham's history emerging from the city's industrial past and moving towards the future. Among the figures were workers, citizens and famous names from the city's story.

It was made of polyester resin, painted in pale colours, and stood on a podium at the centre of the square. It was one of the most photographed features of the square, and many visitors stopped to study the figures.

Mixed feelings

The sculpture always divided opinion. Some loved its detail and its celebration of the city's history, while others found it ugly or too sentimental. It was sometimes given unflattering nicknames by those who disliked it.

But even its critics are saddened by the way it has been destroyed. Arson attacks on public art are rare, and there is widespread anger that a work that belonged to the whole city has been lost in this way.

What happens now

The remains of the sculpture are expected to be removed, and the city council will have to decide whether to replace or restore it. Experts believe the damage is so severe that restoration will be very difficult, if not impossible.

Some people have suggested that a new piece of public art should be commissioned for the square, while others want to see Forward recreated.

Centenary Square

Centenary Square was laid out to mark the centenary of Birmingham being granted city status in 1889, and was redesigned in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is home to the Hall of Memory, Baskerville House, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the International Convention Centre.

The square is one of the city's main public spaces and hosts events throughout the year. The loss of Forward leaves a gap at its heart.

Investigation

Police will want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the square, which is covered by CCTV cameras. Whoever was responsible has robbed the city of one of its best known artworks.

For many people who remember the square being opened, the loss of the sculpture is the end of an era.