A much-loved local sculpture known as the Five Swimmers will soon be on display again thanks to a loan agreement with Berkeley for their new Eden Grove development in Staines-upon-Thames.
Created by David Wynne OBE in 1980, the sculpture was originally commissioned for the Elmsleigh Centre and gifted to the people of Spelthorne. It served as a centre piece and was used as a wishing well in the Centre until 1997 when it was removed and later reinstalled behind the Old Town Hall in Memorial Gardens. Unfortunately, the sculpture was damaged during the 2014 floods and vandalised multiple times, leading to its collapse in 2022. It has since been in storage at a cost of £1,000 per year.
The Corporate Policy and Resources Committee considered various possible new homes for the sculpture, including the main square of the Elmsleigh Centre, where it was once located. After looking at all the options, it was agreed that the sculpture be loaned to Berkeley Homes for public display in Eden Grove. This secure location will provide greater protection from vandalism whilst keeping it accessible to the public.
Chair of the Council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, Cllr Joanne Sexton, said: “Many residents have been asking about the Five Swimmers sculpture and have clearly missed seeing it in the town. I am delighted that after a lot of research and planning, it will be reinstated here in Staines, in a safe location at Eden Grove. I very much look forward to working with Berkeley Homes to finalise the arrangements.”
Paul Vallone, Chairman of Berkeley Homes (Central London) Limited, said: “We are proud to have been selected to provide a new home for this cherished statue as the centrepiece for our courtyard. Created by renowned sculptor David Wynne OBE, who is celebrated for some of England's most iconic statues, this piece exemplifies his signature focus on movement. It will be placed at the heart of the Eden Grove garden, which will be open for all to enjoy. We are currently working closely with the council to arrange its installation.”