‘Dikke Mathille’ returns to its current location after restoration
“In recent weeks it has become clear that it is insurmountable for a number of Ostend residents to place the sculpture ‘The Sea’ by Georges Grard back at its original location on the Kursaal. However, we believe that there are greater challenges for the city, hence this decision. We thus wish to end the polemic surrounding the relocation of the artwork,” said Alderman Björn Anseeuw.
Close to heart
It is now very clear that this image is close to the hearts of many people, the city said in a statement. “The plans to have ‘Dikke Mathille’ thoroughly restored and fully restored to its former glory will therefore be continued unabated. It will have to be temporarily moved for this purpose, but will subsequently be immediately returned to its current location.”
The city council also wants to improve the visibility of the artwork by shortening the hedges around it.
“The most important thing for us is that ‘Dikke Mathille’ is restored to its former glory. That has always been our goal. The statue needs very thorough maintenance. That will come as soon as possible. And then we will place it back at its current location,” concludes Alderman Björn Anseeuw.