Cambridge City Council orders Prince Philip Statue be torn Down

Thursday, March 28, 2024
Cambridge City Council orders Prince Philip Statue be torn Down

The sculpture was described by a Cambridge City Council officer as "possibly the poorest quality work that had ever been submitted to the Council"

A sculpture in Cambridge must be taken down after being issued an enforcement notice. The sculpture of 'The Don' on Hills Road represents Prince Philip in his role as vice-chancellor of Cambridge University.

The sculpture was described by Cambridge City Council's public art officer as "possibly the poorest quality work that [had] ever been submitted to the Council". An enforcement notice issued by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (GCSP) on March 5 said it appeared the sculpture had been erected within the last four years without planning permission.

The £150,000 sculpture was attributed to Pablo Atchugarry, who disowned the piece. The enforcement notice said it has a "harmful material impact" on the appearance of the area and that it was contrary to policies in the Cambridge Local Plan.