Time up for the Giant's Chair?

Giant's Chair, Natsworthy

There is still a sense of mystery surrounding the future of the Giant's Chair, near Natsworthy. Due to be taken down over a year ago the 20ft oak sculpture is still standing proudly. But how much longer has it got?

Built in 2006 without planning permission by artist Henry Bruce, Dartmoor authorities ordered its eventual removal amid fears it would cause traffic congestion. Chris France, director of planning, recorded on the application: "There is some concern that this sculpture may lead to increased traffic and congestion through vehicles visiting and parking on the nearby highway and also that the increase in the number of visitors may have an impact on the area."

Mr Bruce, who started out as a furniture maker, thought it would be a "fun place to put a chair, instead of a traditional bench... It has created a bit of mystery."

With the help of local carpenter Joel Hendry it took a small crane and hand winches to get the chair into position.

Mr Hendry stated, "I think it raises a smile - everyone I've met has expressed a moment of joy when they've seen it. It definitely doesn't detract from the environment."

A campaign to ‘Save the Giants Chair' on social networking site Facebook was set up back in 2006 by Sam Shields from Plymouth. Over the years it has amassed six thousand plus members who continue to share their experiences of the chair.

Mr Bruce said he hoped the campaign would be successful and added that he was working to renew the planning permission. He said: "If the chair was being threatened, the more voices to promote it, the better."

So, why does the chair still remain? Did the Dartmoor Planning committee backtrack after the continued support? If you have any information please write to us and let us know. It would be a huge shame to see it removed, as it only enhances the qualities of the wide-spread moorland landscape it sits in. I can appreciate that if it were to cause disruption to the local area action might have to be taken. But while it remains somewhat unnoticed, even within the local community, why take it away.

Got an opinion on the Giant's Chair? Click 'Contribute' in the top right hand corner and have your say. Comments will be published.