Horse controversially placed on roundabouts sold

A 10ft (3m) War Horse sculpture, which was previously displayed on roundabouts, has found a new home after it was sold at auction.

The work, created by Norfolk artist Damian O'Connor, proved controversial in 2017 when the county council called it an "obstruction" for being displayed in areas around Norwich, including beside the Northern Distributor Road.

Made from steel, wood and reeds, the sculpture is said to commemorate millions of horses lost in wars.

At a fine art, jewellery and interiors auction held at Mander Auctioneers in Sudbury, Suffolk, the sculpture was sold for £580.

In 2017, O'Connor said he would wheel the horse out to various roundabouts in the early hours of the morning, where it "looks wonderful under the stars".

However, the authority told him it must be removed, and he would be liable for any "claim for civil damages for loss or personal injury" if the horse was deemed to have caused an accident.

Instead, O'Connor said displaying his work in those areas was a "great stage" and said the council was "daft".

However, the time had come for the horse to find a new and stable home.

Speaking prior to the sale, auctioneer James Mander said: "It has quite a history. It has been on display around Norfolk and East Anglia, mainly over the last eight years, displayed on roundabouts and prominent sites."

Mander had hoped it would sell for £1,000, although he acknowledged there was a "limited market" due to its size and stature.

"Nearly everyone that's come in has commented on it or asked about it. It's raised a few eyebrows - it's such an unusual item."

O'Connor was contacted after the sale but declined to comment.

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