The first of Salisbury's unsung heroes revealed for city trail
You can see it at Salisbury museum
The First of Salisbury's Hidden Figures is up and ready for a selfie.
A life size sculpture of local archaeologist and TV celebrity Phil Hardinglocal archaeologist and TV celebrity Phil Harding takes its place in Salisbury Museum this week.
The project was started by Anthony Durman and when complete these sculptures will form a trail, placed in hidden, out of the way, unexpected and secure corners of the city.
It started when he spotted people taking pictures and selfies with a sculpture he had made that is placed at the bottom of his garden.
Hosting the trail is Safer and Supportive Salisbury and the first figure will be funded with grants from the Salisbury Community Area Board of Wiltshire Council, the Salisbury City Council and private donations.
How was the sculpture of Phil Harding made?
Will Foster, 3D artist at Wessex Archaeology first scanned Phil with a handheld scanner.
The data gathered was ‘sliced’ by local school student Luke Liang of Bishop Wordsworth School and his life size figure was then printed using recycled plastic over many hours on a community owned 3D printer by Adrian Lucas of John Hanson School, Andover.
A large team of local volunteers helped artist Anthony Durman assemble the life size ‘Phil’ from the printed body parts.
Speaking of his involvement in the process, Phil Harding said: “This is very much a bit of fun; it’s an archaeologist who is happy in his work. I’m pleased as punch to be the first figure, but I truly look forward to seeing more figures, which will make it what it strives to be, a bigger community project full of interesting people with diverse skills. The total ‘body scan’ was certainly a new and unique experience, but does it have to stress features of too much real ale!”
Speaking of the project, Safer and Supportive Salisbury Chair Anne Trevett said: “This project is a true community engagement effort. The original inspiration was a figure of Anthony Durman’s daughter Alethea that can still be seen in a garden off Fisherton Street. Local resident Mrs Hawtrey watched from her window as visitors to the City took selfies in front of the figures from the bridge and asked whether such figures could not pop up all over the City. Led by Anthony and supported by Safer and Supportive Salisbury we are thrilled that Phil agreed to be our first figure and that so many people have been involved in creating his likeness. Thank you too to the Museum for giving him a home.”