Chamber calls for rethink over ‘Granny’s Vase’ sculpture at historic Beverley Gate

An artist's impression of the proposed sculpture at Beverley Gate.

THE Chamber’s Hull Area Council members have voiced strong objections to proposals to build a 10m “Granny’s Vase” sculpture next to Hull’s historic Beverley Gate.

The sculpture is designed to cast shadows and elements of light to highlight moments in Hull’s history, but The Shadow Gate, as it is officially called, has attracted plenty of criticism.

Members of Hull & Humber Chamber’s Hull Area Council were unanimous in their criticism of the proposed sculpture, suggesting that the money would be much better spent on a statue of Sir John Hotham which would be far more appropriate for the Old Town conservation area which features several listed buildings, as well as Beverley Gate.

Sir John Hotham was the 1st Baronet of Scorborough and lived from 1589 to 1645. He was an English Parliamentarian who was governor of Hull in 1642, shortly before the start of the English Civil War. He refused to allow King Charles I or any member of his entourage into Hull where there was a large arsenal of war munitions. Later in the Civil War, he and his son, John Hotham the younger, were found guilty of treachery and executed in London.

The Chamber noted that Hull City Council’s own principal conservation officer, Philip Hampel, has said in the media that the “Granny’s Vase” idea detracts from other landmarks and should not be approved following the submission of a planning application. He claimed the 10-metre high artwork would form “an over-dominant and out-of-scale structure that would detract from the setting”.

The sculpture has been designed by architects Tonkin Lui and Arap after plans to revamp the area were given the go-ahead, but Beverley Gate has recently been designated a scheduled ancient monument, so Culture Secretary John Whittingdale will make the final decision.

It was agreed that the Chamber should make representations to Hull City Council and request that further thought should be given to this important and historic part of the City Centre.