The sculpture was installed on Thursday morning.
Photo: Supplied / Heather Milne/ SCAPE
A public artwork has been stolen in Christchurch less than 24 hours after being installed.
The sculpture called Doctrines by artist George Watson was due to be part of SCAPE Public Art Trust’s summer season exhibition.
The steel piece drew inspiration from Christian symbols, agricultural branding irons, Victorian fretwork and traditional Māori patterns.
It was installed in the central city on Thursday morning and disappeared overnight.
SCAPE executive director Rachel Jefferies said the art work weighed about 100 kilograms and was screwed into the ground.
SCAPE said it has now been retrieved by police not far from its original site.
The sculpture will now be stored until engineers determine how to stop it from being taken again.
Earlier Jefferies said they were feeling for artist George Watson and those that helped make the sculpture which had been made for everyone to enjoy.
“It’s also deeply disappointing for Christchurch.”
The trust said it was the first time an artwork had been stolen in its 27-year history.
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