Flight was the last major bronze work completed by Llew Summers, but has been destroyed for scrap, say police.
Photo: Supplied
A $95,000 bronze sculpture stolen from a Christchurch community centre has been destroyed for scrap, say police, who have arrested a 44-year-old man for the theft.
Mt Pleasant community members raised their own funds to buy the 2.2 metre-long and 2.2 tonne sculpture named Flight, depicting a large bird, in honour of late artist Llew Summers, who lived in the seaside suburb.
Sculpted in 2018, it was the final major bronze work completed by Summers before he died in 2019.
The artwork was installed on a plinth outside the Mt Pleasant Community Centre in 2023, but it disappeared in June this year.
it was the final major bronze work completed by Summers before he died in 2019.
Police said today they had arrested a 44-year-old man over the theft, and he would appear in the Christchurch District Court next month.
Acting Detective Sergeant Steph Trengrove said it appeared the sculpture had been destroyed and much of it sold as scrap metal, with only “small pieces” recovered.
“While we are pleased to have apprehended the offender, police acknowledge the devastation the residents feel in losing such significant artwork.
“We would like to warmly thank key community members who assisted officers with information and support throughout the investigation, including those from the scrap metal industry.”
Mt Pleasant Community Centre president Derek McCullough said earlier they were “devastated” by the theft.
He said Summers was a local resident who lived in the area for most of his life and had his funeral there.
“[Flight] was just a lovely piece that reminded us of his presence around here, and also that we live on the side of an estuary with 30,000 more birds beside the big one he made.”
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