Buxton Civic Association helps reunite local artwork with its owner
Buxton, Derbyshire, 9th October 2024 — In an unexpected discovery, two large metal dinosaur sculptures—a triceratops and a velociraptor—were uncovered by local environmental and heritage charity, Buxton Civic Association (BCA).
The BCA Woodland Team discovered the dinosaurs whilst undertaking maintenance work to clear unwanted ground vegetation in a local woodland area in early September this year. The dinosaurs, which were stolen five years ago, are now set to be reunited with their original owner.
The sculptures were first spotted hidden in the undergrowth by BCA’s woodland team near Wye Head woods, and promptly brought back to the Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre for safekeeping. Following the discovery, BCA notified Derbyshire Police, who were originally involved in the case of the stolen artwork in 2019.
The dinosaurs belong to Andy Hill, a Buxton-based artist known for his unique metalwork under the name Ferassic Park. Alison Broady, a local resident, had been storing them in her garden on behalf of Andy Hill, The sculptures were tragically stolen in September 2019, leaving both Alison and Andy devastated.
Upon hearing that two large dinosaur sculptures were being looked after at Poole’s Cavern, Alison visited the site to verify them. Overjoyed at the news, she commented, “It was a real shock when the first dinosaur vanished way back in September 2019 and when the second one was taken just one week later it was a terrible blow. I was away on holiday when BCA found the dinosaurs and to come back to the news that they had possibly been found was unbelievable. When I actually saw them I must admit it bought a tear to my eye, we were dreadfully afraid that they might have been sold purely for scrap value, which would have been a travesty for such impressive works of art. I was astounded at what good condition they are in and when I found out that they were found so close to where they vanished from, it feels like a fairy story to have them rediscovered after five years out in the wilderness. Andy’s dinosaurs have given such a lot of pleasure to neighbours and passersby over the years, and hopefully everyone who gets to see them can now enjoy them again. We thank BCA for their help in restoring them to Andy’s impressive portfolio of work.”
Artist Andy Hill expressed his excitement at the recovery: “It’s an incredible story how they have found their way home, the father of the Dinosaurs [Andy] is a happy and relieved soul.”
Harriet Saltis, BCA’s Woodland Manager, was equally pleased with the discovery, stating – “It’s very disheartening to see such unique artwork fly-tipped into our woodlands. However, we suspect that they were hidden in our woods due to their weight and the difficulty that the thieves had in moving them. However, we are relieved to reunite them with their rightful owner. It’s a real testament to the community spirit we have in Buxton, and we’re glad to have played a part in restoring a piece of that.”
The return of the dinosaurs brings a happy ending to a five-year mystery, while also highlighting ongoing efforts by BCA to protect and maintain Buxton’s natural and cultural heritage.
