A BROMSGROVE High Street landmark has been removed for essential repair work to be carried out.

Working alongside The Bromsgrove Society, Bromsgrove District Council have organised the renovation of the Dryad and Boar statue which is historically significant for the town.

The statue was removed on January 31 and has been taken to a specialist who will complete the delicate repair and restoration.

It is hoped the statue will be back at home on the High Street by the end of March.

The statue is a replica resin copy of the original sculpture named “Dryad and Boar” made by the Bromsgrove Guild.

The Bromsgrove Guild, which ran from 1898 to 1966, was founded by Walter Gilbert based on the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement and was made famous for making the main gates at Buckingham Palace and the Liver Birds.

The highly skilled artists worked in a variety of mediums and the original Dryad and Boar was made for Nettlebed Park in Oxfordshire by Swiss sculptor Louis Weingartner of the Guild, at a cost of £150.

Alongside the repair of the replica statue, new information panels are being installed to give details on the history of the artwork, the work of the Bromsgrove Guild and its important role in Bromsgrove's history.

Jo Slade, from The Bromsgrove Society, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Bromsgrove District Council in the renovation of the Dryad and Boar statue. It was unveiled in the High Street in its original position outside the Post Office in April 1983 and later moved to the top of Church Street. Over the years it has been subject to environmental deterioration and general wear and tear being in the busy high street. The work will preserve this important piece of artwork so that future generations can understand the significance of it.”