Why Was Eric Morecambe’s Statue Removed?

In the quaint town of Morecambe, where the laughter of yesteryear echoes through the streets, stands a statue that became entangled in a web of controversy and relocation. Eric Morecambe, one half of the iconic duo Morecambe and Wise, had his likeness immortalized in bronze, only to face the unsettling fate of removal and defacement.

A Bizarre Turn of Events

For reasons veiled in the peculiar sentiments of local residents, a petition emerged, demanding the removal of the statue that paid homage to one of the town’s most celebrated figures. The residents, for some inexplicable reason, deemed the statue ‘vulgar,’ and their discontent prevailed. The bronze embodiment of Eric Morecambe and his partner Ernie Wise was sadly ousted from its original position.

From Pillar to Post: The Wandering Statues

In a twist of fate akin to a comedic plotline, the statue embarked on a brief tour, finding itself in Sheffield. However, the welcome it received in this new location was far from warm. Local hooligans defaced the iconic figures, marking a low point in the journey of the cherished statues.

Around 1980, the statues found a temporary haven in the care of John Makepeace, situated in the grounds of Parnham House. This period of respite lasted until 2000 when the house changed hands, prompting the need for yet another relocation.

A Vertical Journey to Resting Grounds

Returning to the hands of the original sculptor, Nick Munro, Eric, and Ern began a vertical journey, loaded onto a low loader destined for their current resting place at Hopgrass Farm House in Hungerford. Despite the challenges they faced, the statues remained in surprisingly good repair, a testament to their enduring resilience.

Targeted by Vandals, Yet Standing Tall

Even in their tranquil abode, the statues continued to draw admiration from passing drivers and holidaying boaters on the nearby canal. Unfortunately, the resilience of the statues could not shield them entirely from the mischievous acts of local youths. Stones were hurled, and one side of Eric’s glasses suffered damage. Yet, in the face of adversity, the statues endured.

A Renewed Promise: Repairs and a Fresh Coat of Paint

As the statues weathered the passage of time and acts of vandalism, Nick Munro’s son has assured admirers that they will soon undergo repairs. A new coat of paint is on the horizon, promising a fresh lease of life for the iconic duo.