Creator and council battle over Kelpies
Creator wants to protect integrity of artwork as report calls for ways to exploit attraction’s popularity
COUNCILLORS are calling for more control over the Kelpies tourist attraction.
Sculptor Andy Scott insists he has to protect the artistic integrity of the giant horses’ heads which he designed – he retains the copyright.
Councillors say this prevents them from marketing effectively the statues which were paid for by a mix of taxpayer and Lottery cash.
A ROW over ownership of the famous Kelpies sculpture has emerged amid concerns the famous sculptor who designed it retains too much control.
The copyright for the £7 million landmark near Falkirk is held by feted creator Andy Scott who insists he has a duty to protect its “kudos and stature”.
But a report is being drafted to scrutinise the legal position of the present agreement in a bid to explore new ways of exploiting marketing rights.
Mr Scott, 51, angered some councillors in May last year after refusing a request to tie a massive Falkirk FC scarf, knitted by local residents, around one of the sculptures to mark the local football club’s appearance in the Scottish Cup Final.
The artist felt the scarf plan was “inappropriate” and said he was backed up on the decision not to mount it on the Kelpies by Falkirk Council and Scottish Canals.
The Kelpies, paid for by a blend of taxpayer and Lottery cash, were instead lit up gold for the final.
Councillor David Alexander has questioned why the city did not have more control over how the Kelpies are used and marketed when it was paid for with public money. He said: “The Kelpies are for the people and should belong to the people of Falkirk – they are not a private art collection.
“The fact that the issue is arising, you have got to question the arrangements in place at the start when the funds were secured.”
Kelpies sculptor Andy Scott said there was a shared aim “to promote the Kelpies as world-class artworks to a local, national and increasingly global audience”. He added: “As the artist who dreamt up the sculptures 10 years ago and the person who is arguably closer to them than anyone, I am immensely proud of what they have achieved for the town and surroundings and the honours and accolades they’ve received.
“I’m deeply honoured that the people of the Falkirk and Grangemouth area have taken them so much to heart.”
Concerns have been raised at the length of time it took to agree plans to produce miniature Kelpies which could be sold to tourists at the attraction’s new visitor centre.
However, it was revealed this week that deal has now been reached between the parties and 3D Kelpies are in development for sale
Mr Scott added: “We are taking considerable effort to ensure that those products are in keeping with the Kelpies’ kudos and stature as national icons and that where possible, products are sourced from local or Scottish companies.
“We are surprised to find out that somebody is complaining about this.”
The 30-metre tall sculptures of steel horses’ heads are located in the Helix parkland and opened to the public in April 2014.
A spokesman for Falkirk Council said: “Scottish Canals and the Council worked together on the Helix project and agreed a commissioning agreement with Andy Scott Public Art Ltd for the Kelpies. As is usual in such an agreement, the intellectual property rights, including copyright, remained with the creator of the Kelpies, Andy Scott Public Art Ltd.
“However, the company must work with the council and Scottish Canals to use this for merchandis- ing purposes.” The council spokesman added that the merchandising deal currently in place was “there to ensure goods are of the highest standard and in keeping with the reputation and image of the Kelpies”. It ends in November this year, when it will be reviewed.
The sculptures are described as “a monument to horse-powered heritage across Scotland” and are supposed to represent “mythological transforming beasts” possessing the strength and endurance of 10 horses.
‘‘ The Kelpies are for the people and should belong to the people of Falkirk – they are not a private art collection