A 60-year-old sculpture created by a local artist is in need of a new home after Kenilworth School said it would not take it to its new site on Glasshouse Lane.

Walter Richie's 'Growth' sculpture, which is currently on display at Kenilworth School's Leyes Lane site, was created in 1965.

It depicts a cell dividing and multiplying, next to a galloping horse, music from Beethoven's Missa Solemnis and a man holding a joystick.

Originally given to the then Abbey School, the current leadership team does not wish to take the sculpture to the new school on Glasshouse Lane.

"In the move to the new school they do not wish to take the sculpture with them," Cllr James Kennedy explained at last week's Kenilworth Town Council meeting. 

"The reason being, the building it was on is the former grammar school, called Abbey School, so does not represent Kenilworth School per se. 

"Effectively the school inherited it and doesn't wish to take it on."

The school had offered the sculpture to the council, on the condition KTC paid for its removal, transport and relocation.

It was suggested the sculpture - which is valued at £3,000 - could be placed at the library or on Jubilee House.

However, councillors decided not to take on the sculpture, instead suggesting the school contact Warwick District Council.

"Kenilworth Town Council does not own Jubilee House nor the library and therefore it wouldn't be appropriate for us to accept something to go on there," Cllr Kennedy added. 

"Nor did we think they were necessarily the most appropriate places to put it."

Richie's work can also be seen at the Belgrade Theatre, North Leamington School and the Oval Cricket Ground.

Having lived in Kenilworth for 57 years after moving to the town in 1940, councillors said Richie was definitely a "local man" and said they hoped a new home could be found for the work.

Members suggested the new Castle Farm recreation centre as its new home.

School had suggested Kenilworth Library or the side of Jubilee House.

(Header image by John Brightley via geograph.org.uk)