Restoring the Alluvia statues
Little known and often hidden by weeds, two beautiful statues – Alluvia – once lay on the bed of the River Stour beside the Westgate Tower. They were early works by Jason deCaires Taylor, the world-famous sculptor of underwater art. In 2024 Jason undertook to restore the statues but, finding them broken beyond repair, he most generously agreed to create an entirely new piece. The work was funded by substantial grants from Paul Abbott and Paul Roberts. Lit by LED lights, it is not only aesthetically beautiful but is fitted with sensors to measure the quality of the water passing above.