Distinctive brain sculpture from Norwich city centre still has not found a home
It was removed as part of a £3.2m revamp of Hay Hill
A controversial city landmark which was removed months ago still has not found a permanent home.
The distinctive set of sculptures – including one of an outsized brain – were removed as part of a £3.2m revamp of Hay Hill in early April, with Norwich City Council promising a new home would be found.
But eight months later the sculptures, which used to sit between Next and Primark, are still in storage.
The carvings, which include inscriptions on blocks of marble, are called ‘Homage To Sir Thomas Browne; and were designed to complement the nearby statue of the 17th century physician, philosopher and writer.
Made by French sculptors Anne and Patrick Poirier, the works have been controversial since they were first proposed in 2007, with some people saying they did not understand them.
The statue of Thomas Browne himself was returned to the Hay Hill in August but a city council spokesman has confirmed a new home for the other sculptures has not yet been identified.
He promised more details would be shared once one is found.
It was originally envisioned that the marble works, which also included an eye and seating would be relocated to Elm Hill Gardens, but this idea was scrapped.
The revamp of Hay Hill is expected to be completed in February 2024.
Who was Thomas Browne?
Thomas Browne was a polymath and author.
He was born in London but lived in Norwich from 1636 until his death in 1682.
His home was near the site of the city’s current Pret a Manger outlet, at the bottom of Hay Hill.
His works included The Religion of a Physician and an encyclopedia, Pseudodoxia Epidemica.
He was buried in St Peter Mancroft.
However, his skull was removed when his lead coffin was accidentally opened by workmen in 1840.
It was not re-interred in St Peter Mancroft until 1922 when it was recorded in the burial register as aged 317 years.