Repaired Penguin Sculptures in Worcester
- Four of the 80 penguin sculptures in Worcester were removed for repairs after two were vandalized.
- The community took steps to restore these artworks, emphasizing their importance to local culture.
- The repairs have been completed, and the sculptures have returned to the trail.
Four penguin sculptures from the Waddle of Worcester display have been restored and are back on view after suffering vandalism shortly after their debut in July. The display, which features a total of eighty fibreglass penguins, aims to raise funds for St Richard's Hospice. The two damaged figures, Kingfisher Azure and Little Blue Makes A Wish, were found with cracks in their feet due to attempts at removal, while Picasso Penguin and Blue Penguin also required repairs. Sara Matthews from St Richard's Hospice expressed delight at the return of the sculptures, stating that they have responded well to their repairs, humorously referred to as ‘tweetment’. The penguins, which include 40 individual figures and 40 chicks, are part of an outdoor walking trail that encourages community engagement and support for the hospice. Visitors are reminded to treat the sculptures with care, as climbing on them can lead to further damage. The outdoor trail will remain open until September 15, allowing the public to enjoy the artistic display while contributing to a charitable cause. In a final note, Matthews highlighted that the penguins will be auctioned in October to further support St Richard's Hospice, urging the community to help preserve the integrity of these artworks by avoiding climbing or swinging on them.