PHOTOS: Multi-coloured leg warmers appear on Ilfracombe's Verity as part of April Fools' Day prank
| Posted: April 01, 2014
APRIL Fools’ Day has warmed the cockles of one North Devon monument.
Damien Hirst's 60ft bronze statue Verity on Ilfracombe pier woke up this morning to find someone had given her a pair of multi-coloured leg warmers.
The statue fell foul to the prank which is doubtless the first of many to be played on unsuspecting victims all over the world.
Ilfracombe's Indoor Market manager Kate Helyer said the prank's perpetrators were a mystery but said the craze known as 'yarn bombing' had obviously arrived at the town.
She said: "It's an art form in itself, a bit like guerrilla gardening where the perpetrators are mysteriously anonymous.
"It's given our slightly tarnished Verity a new lease of life and I think it's a fabulous way to brighten up the town.
"I've no idea who they are but I hope we see more of it. We are going to put a collection box for balls of bright coloured wool in the market and, who knows, if we get enough donations we might encourage these clever bombers to strike again."
Tonia Sears, owner of Periwinkle knitting cafe in Ilfracombe said she couldn't lay claim to the prank.
"I think it is amazing," she added. "It is really great that Ilfracombe is getting into the knitting thing.
"Yarn bombing has been around for more than a couple of decades so it is definitely on the rise."
Ilfracombe Mayor Lynda Courtnadge said the town was awash with gossip as to who was behind the prank and why they did it.
Mrs Courtnadge said: “Who knows why Verity has been given a rather fetching set of stripy tights? Perhaps it was one of the Academy’s students looking to be the next Jean Paul Gaultier?
“Or maybe someone thought that Verity’s legs were looking a little cold? Or finally could there be a more extraterrestrial nature and that aliens have finally decided to pay a visit to a earth resort and leave a thank you?”
Ilfracombe harbour master Rob Lawson added: “I didn’t expect to see Verity in leg warmers this morning, but they have certainly added some cheer to the harbour today, with everyone smiling at the sight of her rainbow socks!
“Whilst this is a bit of fun however, I would like to remind everyone that they are not to cross the barrier to the statue for safety reasons. By doing so they are endangering themselves.”
If you know who pulled off this prank please get in touch on 01271 347453.
If you’ve played your own April Fools’ Day prank on someone and want to share, get in touch on the above number.
No comments:
Post a Comment