A Dante sculpture created by a renowned artist could go up in Midhurst

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Plans to erect a statue of the 13th century poet, writer and philosopher Dante in Midhurst have been submitted to Chichester District Council.

The application from Harvey Tordoff, of the Midhurst Society, seeks permission for a 2.16m bronze statue atop a rock and concrete base to be put up near South Pond close to the ornamental footbridge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A design statement submitted with the application said: “Midhurst is the adopted home of the sculptor Philip Jackson, and it would be fitting to have a Philip Jackson statue on prominent display in the town.

“In an amazing gesture of generosity, Philip is proposing making a gift of the statue to the people of Midhurst – to be held on their behalf by Midhurst Town Council.”

Plans to erect a statue of the 13th century poet, writer and philosopher Dante in Midhurst have been submitted to Chichester District Council. Image: Harvey TordoffPlans to erect a statue of the 13th century poet, writer and philosopher Dante in Midhurst have been submitted to Chichester District Council. Image: Harvey Tordoff
Plans to erect a statue of the 13th century poet, writer and philosopher Dante in Midhurst have been submitted to Chichester District Council. Image: Harvey Tordoff

While Midhurst has no link to Dante, Chichester is twinned with Ravenna, where his tomb attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If the statue gets the go-ahead, it will depict Dante holding an open book – The Divine Comedy, which is widely considered to be one of the most important poems of the Middle Ages.

Perched on the pages will be three figures – Dante himself along with Virgil and Beatrice, his companions in Purgatory seeking Paradise.

To view the application, log on to planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk and search for 23/05069/FUL.