J.R.R. Tolkien Memorial Sparks Local Outrage

[wellinghall]

Plans for a giant $136,500 statue to celebrate the life of The Lord Of The Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien in Birmingham, England, have sparked a row among locals, who brand the memorial an "eyesore".
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/03/06/j_r_r_tolkien_memorial_sparks_local_outr

Comments

[sigisgrim.livejournal.com]

Yes, well; Moseley has actually been a bit divided on the matter for several years now. On one side is the Moseley Forum; I can't remember what Moseley organisation is on the other side. It all all rather silly. From what I understand the statue is supported by the majority of residents (who have expressed an opinion).

[moonlit-me.livejournal.com]

I'd have to see it to make a good judgment. A stainless steel Ent? It sounds a bit out there, not to mention rather... well, un-entish. And expensive. Statues and sculptures can also seem ridiculous at first and then grow on you...

Still, I have to wonder if it wouldn't be a better memorial just to plant a ring of oak trees and set aside a bit of money to help tend them over the years.

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

There's a small picture here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6412017.stm

[sigisgrim.livejournal.com]

There isn't enough room for a ring of oak trees. :-( It is right next to a busy cross roads with traffic lights in the middle of an urban area.

The sculpture is actually very nice (IMHO).

[amalion.livejournal.com]

The model isn't too bad, but I'm not sure I'm going to like the full sized statue. I'm afraid I wasn't particularly in favour of the statue anyway.

[moonlit-me.livejournal.com]

The picture above doesn't look too bad, though I don't know how it would be up close. It's still quite a bit of money, though I don't know what difference it will make in tourism dollars in the area.

I could see "The Tolkien Trees," with one being there and planting a number around town, if the space can be found. That would be fun, and could be turned into an all-day event for a certain kind of tourist. So it seems like fun, economics, and greenery might all be on the same side for once. =)