Press Release

26 August 2021

Daedalus sculpture standing proud at Daedalus Common

Fareham Borough Council is delighted to announce that an impressive new Gate Guardian sculpture has been installed at Daedalus Common.

The eight-metre high sculpture depicting Daedalus poised to take flight for the first time has now been installed at the end of Daedalus Common, adjacent to the Peel Common roundabout.

The winning design, which was funded by the National Grid specifically for this project, was chosen by Fareham residents from a shortlist in 2019. The clear winner was by Nigel Searle, an artisan blacksmith who set out to design a sculpture to inspire hope and achievement as well as the joy of discovery.

Portsmouth-based blacksmith, Peter Clutterbuck, who specialises in large-scale iron artwork, then created the piece, which is now a striking focal point for Daedalus Common. The opening of the wider site has been delayed due to the pandemic but is set to become a large new area of public open space, with footpaths and cycle routes, wildlife habitats and dog walking areas. A play park has also been installed, for children of all ages and abilities, which takes inspiration from the airport.

Executive leader of Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Seán Woodward, said: “The public support for this sculpture was incredible and I think we can all agree how impressive it is now it has been installed. Once this special site is safe and ready to be opened to the public, the figure of Daedalus is sure to become a landmark for the whole community.”

For more information about the Gate Guardian project please go to: http://www.fareham.gov.uk/planning/regeneration/daedalusgateguardian.aspx

ENDS