WITH reference to the Dame Barbara Hepworth sculpture. I think this fine piece should be in a situation where it can be touched and felt by the public.

Fingers and hands, when they frequently come into contact with bronze or any metal, create patina which, over a period of time, will give the artwork another dimension, a changing character.

Henry Moore wanted his sculptures to be touched and time has improved the way they look.

The sculpture is now in an unsuitable site, near one of the ugliest buildings in Bolton (the Crown Courts). It needs to be on a hard-standing area where people can walk up to, touch, and feel the piece.

The ideal place would be a newly-created sculpture park but, saying that, we can't maintain the parks we already have.

The Precinct would be a good area and it would take our eyes away from the lacklustre fountains. Or maybe the Parish Church grounds would be a nice spot.

Can you imagine all the wedding albums with the bride and groom framed in the piece? Yes, I would take the shot.

Don Tonge

(photographer)

Bolton