Bridport stalking dog sculpture reinstalled after appeal

A popular sculpture of a dog has been reinstalled after a crowdfunding appeal to get it recast.

Stalking Dog, by Greta Berlin, was removed from the weir outside Palmers Brewery in Bridport in May after corrosion made it unsafe.

The dog, based on Berlin’s family pet, Queenie, had been displayed as part of the Bridport art trail.

Campaigners raised more than £6,000 to get it recast in resin and, on Monday, a ceremony was held to unveil the replica.

Art trail curator Cleo Evans and author Ros Huxley launched the crowdfunder, with the support of the sculptor and local businesses.

The original was returned to the artist for repairs before a specialist mould maker cast a new version of Queenie.

A spokesperson for Bridport Town Council said: “It was Cleo and Ros’s energy, creativity, and sheer persistence that made this possible.

“Without them, she wouldn’t be back in place.

“Thanks to the generosity of the community, including many of whom attended an unveiling on Monday, the target was reached ahead of time.”

The town council also thanked Palmers for match funding and offering brewery tours as part of the fundraising efforts.

The money raised also included a fee for the sculptor, who has loaned her artworks to the town free of charge.