By Petition launched to resurrect Grim and Havelock statue in Grimsby town
Two local artists have launched a petition to resurrect the historic Grim and Havelock statue in Grimsby town, 16 years after it was last seen.
Dale Wells and Darren Neave from the Turntable Gallery are asking locals to get behind their cause and to bring this iconic statue back into public life.
The statue itself depicts the local legend of Grimby’s founder Grim saving Prince Havelock of Denmark from the cruel sea.
Legend has it that Prince Havelock, the son of a Danish King, was rescued by the Danish settler and fisherman Grim from the merciless sea off the Lincolnshire coast.
The work of art depicts the man carrying the boy to the shore, whereupon he brought him up as his own son.
When Havelok returned to his native land as a young adult he became a royal scullion and fell in love with the new king’s daughter.
His real identity eventually discovered, he had riches heaped upon him – money which enabled him to return to England and start a thriving fishing port for, and in the name of, his old benefactor and kith, Grim.
The best-known version, “The Lay Of Havelok The Dane,” is a long poem, one of the classics of English literature.
The statue was unveiled in May 1973, but after 33 years of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, it was removed away from public view in 2006.
Sharing their plight, the pair said: “After 16 years and with your help – we want to declare our support to get the piece back into the town.
“Dale Wells and Darren Neave from the Turntable Gallery need your help and support in making this happen, Please sign the petition to send a clear signal to those you can assist.
“We have tracked Grim down! we can assess how badly damaged he is and give him a public space so the townsfolk can see the amount of work that needs to be done so he can once again become the emblematic figurehead and a well-loved work of art.
“This is a great symbol of the town and needs to be re-kindled and nurtured!”
So far, 79 people have signed the petition, bringing the pair so close to their target of 100 signatures.
Those interested in signing can find the petition here.
