HARLOW Art Trust can confirm that one of Harlow’s most loved public artworks, Donkey by Willi Soukop, has been safely removed from its site in Pittmans Field after signs of damage were discovered.

The sculpture had become loosened from its base, prompting concern for its safety and stability. Thanks to a local resident who reported the issue, Harlow Art Trust acted quickly to arrange for expert art handlers, Mtec, to carefully remove Donkey and keep it in secure storage while further investigation takes place. The plan remains for Donkey to return to its original site once appropriate repairs and safety measures have been completed.

Donkey has been a fixture in Harlow since 1955 and was voted the town’s favourite sculpture in a public poll in 2017. In 2016, it was awarded Grade II listed status, recognising its cultural and historical importance.

The sculpture bears the marks of decades of play, its polished ears and back are worn to a shine by generations of children who have climbed, sat, and played on it. While Sir Frederick Gibberd, architect of New Harlow and founder of Harlow Art Trust, initially considered this wear unfortunate, he later reflected that “the resultant polishing adds to its interest.” That shine is now part of the sculpture’s story and heritage.

The public reaction to the removal was telling. As Director of Harlow Art Trust Catherine Mummery and the Mtec team arrived on site, they were met with questions and concern from the community. It became clear how deeply valued Donkey is, not only as a piece of art, but as a part of people’s daily lives and memories. In fact, it may have been the presence and awareness of local residents that ultimately deterred the theft.

Before arriving in Harlow, Donkey was exhibited at the 1949 ‘Pictures for Schools’ exhibition at Whitechapel Gallery, where Soukop played a vital role in promoting sculpture in education. Willi Soukop (1907–1995), a Vienna-born sculptor who sought refuge in the UK during the 1930s, was also responsible for other public works including Martins in Flight for Leicester and Man and Woman for Albany House, London.

Harlow Art Trust was founded in 1953 by Sir Frederick and Lady Patricia Gibberd with the mission to embed art in public life. They believed, radically for their time, that sculpture should be accessible to all, not just seen in galleries. In recognition of this bold vision and the remarkable collection it fostered, Harlow became the UK’s only Sculpture Town in 2010, earning the name Harlow Sculpture Town. Today, the town is home to over 100 public sculptures by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century, including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Elisabeth Frink.

Supported by volunteers, including a dedicated team of Sculpture Guardians, Harlow Art Trust continues to care for this world-class collection. With the backing of Harlow Council, Essex Police, and the Community Safety Team, the Trust is now investigating the incident and working to ensure Donkey is returned, secure and ready to be enjoyed for generations to come.

We encourage anyone with information about the incident, or those interested in becoming a Sculpture Guardian, to get in touch. Your involvement helps protect and celebrate Harlow’s unique identity as the UK’s only Sculpture Town, a title it earned in 2010 and continues to live up to through community pride and collective care.

For further information, to report concerns, or to volunteer, contact:

[email protected] 

You can stay up to date with news, events, and the ongoing work of Harlow Art Trust by visiting sculpturetown.uk, or by following Harlow Sculpture Town on Instagram (@harlowsculpturetown) and Facebook.