Fresh plea to back crowdfunder honouring Portsmouth dinosaur destroyed in fire
A CROWDFUNDING effort to build a bronze statue in memory of a huge dinosaur sculpture that was destroyed in a fire has had a ‘positive start’, according to campaign organisers.
The original ultrasaurus artwork, affectionately known as Luna Park, arrived in Portsmouth on July 31, 2010.
Created by internationally renowned artists Heather and Ivan Morison, the dinosaur towered some 53ft in the air when it was installed at Southsea Common.
It took three months to make in a Serbian car factory, and had to be transported in six pieces 2,000 miles by ship and lorry from Serbia to Southsea.
But residents were shocked when the steel and polyester sculpture was unexpectedly destroyed by a blaze due to an electrical fault on October 1, 2010.
Now, almost decade on, a campaign has been launched in a bid to raise £10,000 to build a smaller, bronze replica of the goliath.
Since launching on July 31, the effort has drummed up an impressive £1,710.
But organisers from Gunwharf Quays-based Aspex Gallery, have just a few more weeks to hit the target and are now appealing for a fresh push.
In a statement, Aspex said: ‘It's been a positive start to raising the £10,000 we need towards a bronze ultrasaurus in memory of the original ‘Luna Park’ but we need your support to take it up a gear and help us reach our target.
‘Portsmouth City Council have confirmed that they will contribute £5,000 to our crowdfunder but to trigger the match funding we need to reach £2,500.’
There are various rewards available for those who donate, depending on how much cash they pledge.
To support the campaign. see: crowdfunder.co.uk/southsea-dinosaur