'Public art is as much for the cynic as the committed'

RUBBISH. 'Hideous'. "A monstrosity. 'Nothing more than a pile of bricks.

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These observations, and more scathing comments, are examples of social media posts responding to the recent restoration of the sculpture Capo at the Josiah Wedgwood mansion by the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel.

Of the existing 72 public works of art across the city, Capo has been the subject of debate more than any other.

The sculpture, by the celebrated artist Vincent Woropay, depicting the head of Josiah Wedgwood constructed in house bricks, first appeared at the National Garden Festival in 1986, and was one of 120 commissioned artworks along the woodland walks of the 180-acre site.

The display also included Michael Ayrton’s dramatic piece ‘The Evolution of the Minotaur, Dhruva Mistry’s ‘Her Head,’ and Antony Gormley’s standing figure ‘A view. A place’

When the National Garden Festival ended many of the sculptures were taken away by their artists and owners.

Others, like ‘The Head’ on the Potteries Way circular road, were purchased and reerected around the city.

Woropay's Capo was considered an asset and placed in storage until 2009 when it reemerged on Festival Wey to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Wedgwood company.