New sculpture in Porthleven Dave and Bird unveiled by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Officially titled 'Waiting For Fish' the life-size bronze sculpture of a man and bird has already become affectionately known as 'Dave and Bird'.

Created by sculptor Holly Bendall, it was unveiled in a sunny evening ceremony by chef and food campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at the launch of the second Porthleven Arts Festival now running all this week.

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The original idea for the sculpture came to Holly when she was sketching in Cadgwith, watching a man and a seagull sitting on a bench looking out to sea and waiting for the fishermen to come in with their catch.

Now the man in question, Dave Rogers, is immortalised in bronze and positioned on the Second World War pill box near the Old Lifeboat House, looking out across the water at the fishing boats coming back in – and accompanied by a bird friend.

The real-life Dave was also there in person, to mark its arrival to the port.

Mike Toy, Dan Crockett of Blue Marine Foundation, Dave Rogers, sculptor Holly Bendall, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall and Trevor Osborne at the unveiling Picture: Kathy White

In creating the art work, Holly hopes to highlight the important role of small boat fishing in Cornwall's seaside communities, and question where fish comes from and how it is caught, while raising awareness of the impact of over-fishing on communities and marine life.

As a long-standing campaigner on food and environmental issues, who has recently been supporting Greenpeace in its campaign against destructive fishing practices, it was fitting that it should be broadcaster, chef and journalist Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall who unveiled the sculpture, with words that echoed Holly's message.

Also giving brief speeches were Trevor Osborne – owner of Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company, who has given permission for Dave and Bird to be placed on the harbour wall as a permanent public sculpture for the local community and visitors – Holly herself, Porthleven mayor Mike Toy, Porthleven fisherman Jeremy Richards and Dan Crockett of Blue Marine Foundation.

Both 'Dave' and 'Bird' have been moulded and cast in bronze, using the traditional lost wax process.

More than £20,000 was raised back in May via a Crowdfunder to create both the sculpture and also limited edition smaller versions. Set up by Porthleven Arts Community, the money was raised by 80 supporters in just 28 days.

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