Gypsy Cob Sculpture, Belvedere, Kent

This sculpture, a few roads away, was erected last Sunday morning. We have passed it a number of times since then, but I have always felt too cold to get out and take a decent photo! In the sunlight it is very sparkly - a bit too much really - but presumably with time it will dull down a bit.

You can see more on the YouTube video



The artist (Andy Scott) says he was inspired " by seeing so many cobs grazing amongst the industrial buildings" That's really quite amusing as although it is is a 'nod' to acknowledge the gypsy presence and the long history of breeding the horses on the marshland (where they were forced off!) - they are now building on the land where some of the horses are used to grazing.

In fact the statue - although appropriate - is really partly publicity for building regeneration schemes in the area.

When the gypsies got moved from the marshland - flooding, harsh weather and building development being the main causes, a friend's father (A Fairground Showman) bought land near us as a yard for them to stay on during the winter months. This was ultimately taken over by the Greater London Council (as it was then) and run by Greenwich Council when the councils became obliged to set up sites.

Over the years many gypsies have moved into houses around us in Abbey Wood and Belvedere, but some still keep their horses and race their traps - which I like to see.