FEATURE: 1066 statue will be '˜the biggest art story in the world'

Battle statue design SUS-160519-095451001

Sitting at the end of Battle High Street opposite the town's fire station, the roundabout isn't particularly noteworthy - but it is about to make international news.

That is because from the autumn it will host what is possibly one of the most historically important pieces of artwork to be commissioned in the country this year.

2016 is a big year for Battle, with the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings on October 14.

And to mark this milestone, a suitably striking statue has been commissioned, which will stand proud on the roundabout at the opposite end of the High Street from the towering Abbey.

Sculptures at Battle Abbey, 30/9/15

Artist in residence Guy Portelli with his work. SUS-150930-154901001 — Sculptures at Battle Abbey, 30/9/15 Artist in residence Guy Portelli with his work. SUS-150930-154901001

Sitting in the picturesque Almonry Gardens on a sunny June afternoon, sculptor Guy Portelli looks over the wall surrounding this floral haven.

He says: “This will be such a great focal point from here.

“We can have a board describing what people are seeing.”

And what people will see is a Norman soldier on horseback being attacked by a Saxon - an opening scene from the Battle of Hastings when a lone Norman was sent to test the enemy lines.

Showing off the prototype for Battle's new 1066 statue. Pictured are Jane Ellis from 1066 Country Marketing, statue designer Kenneth Higgs, sculptor Guy Portelli, Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman and Battle mayor Cllr David Furness. SUS-160613-131817001

The statue will be on stilts, providing a perfect view from not just the gardens, but throughout the town centre.

Guy is the man who has been tasked with delivering the ambitious project.

He said: “The aim would be to install it at the end of September when the Normans landed and then unveil it on the day of the battle.”

He added: “That day, October 14, it will be the biggest art story in the world.”

The renowned Tonbridge-based sculptor is a familiar face in Battle, having displayed his work at various art fairs in the town, and he has been a resident artist at the Saffron Gallery since 2010.