Sculptor calls for Red Lion statue to be repaired

A historic local landmark in High Wycombe is showing signs of decay as the wooden Red Lion statue above the former hotel on High Street currently sits with a missing tail. Sculptor Colin Mantripp, who has maintained the structure for years, is calling for immediate repairs to prevent further damage. The sculpture is a replica of an original piece that famously stood alongside Winston Churchill during his 1945 election campaign speech. While the original resides in the Wycombe Museum, the current version has stood in place since the 1950s.

Mantripp, who inherited the responsibility of caring for the piece from his grandfather, Frank Hudson, has performed multiple renovations over the decades. He restored the statue following the Great Storm of 1987, after instances of vandalism in 2002, and again in 2017. He explains that the wood is rotting due to a lack of consistent painting and maintenance. He has already submitted a quote to complete the necessary repairs, emphasizing that the statue serves as a significant focal point for the town.

Local officials have weighed in on the matter, with Buckinghamshire Council leader Steven Broadbent noting that the owners of the building have a civic responsibility to preserve the structure. However, the council has clarified that it does not own the building and is therefore not responsible for the ongoing maintenance costs. The building management company has not yet provided a statement regarding plans for the restoration of the statue.