A popular local statue, which has stood in Victoria Park for almost thirty years, will be irreversibly damaged if funding is not found for repairs.

Created by artist Rosemary Cripps, the sculpture of famous cricketer W.G. Grace stands beside the park's bowling green, a reference to his position as president and founder member of the English Bowling Association.

After initially working as a nurse, Rosemary decided to pursue her passion for art in her early 40s, enrolling on a Figurative Sculpture HND course at Stafford College.

'Waiting to Bowl', her final project, was one of 21 statues on display at the college's 'Park Life' exhibition in July 1998.

The sculpture took around three months to complete and involved creating several smaller versions of the statue before starting work on the final piece. 

Speaking on why she decided to sculpt W.G. Grace, Rosemary said: "I chose this subject as it was very fitting for a sculpture for the park and its popular bowling green.

"I think that's probably the reason that he's [the statue] been here this long, because he just blends. 

"From the day I put him in, he just looked like he was meant to be there."

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Some damage is already visible (image via Livia Gregor)

Almost three decades later, it is difficult to imagine Victoria Park without the statue.

However, as it is made from fibreglass, which is sensitive to light, the sculpture will disintegrate over time, with some damage already being visible.

Rosemary said: He [the statue] has got a limited life, and the more deterioration, the more difficult it will be to recast and renew.

"He could either be recast in bronze resin, which would last another hopefully 20 odd years, or what I would prefer would be bronze, where he could be permanently there, like the Izaak Walton one."

Rosemary has contacted the council to try to gain funding and is hoping to receive a reply soon.

After completing further studies, Rosemary ran her own business and wants everyone to give art a go no matter their age or skill level. 

She said: "I have a passion to encourage people to try art.

"If you're determined, you'll be able to do it."