Bronte country art installation inspired by stories of migration is smashed to pieces as police hunt motorbike gang seen fleeing the scene
A stunning outdoor art installation in Brontë country has been deliberately destroyed in a shocking act of vandalism – just days before it was due to open to the public.
Two intricately carved pink marble butterflies, part of a cultural trail set in the rolling moorland of Penistone Hill Country Park near Haworth, West Yorkshire, were left smashed to pieces.
Witnesses reported seeing a group of youths on motorbikes fleeing the area around the time of the incident. Police are now appealing for information.
The butterflies were among 75 sculptures commissioned as part of the Wild Uplands arts trail – a centrepiece of Bradford's UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of the Bradford 2025 team, branded the attack 'sad and disappointing', but vowed the trail would still open as planned on May 24.
'It is sad and disappointing that these beautiful stone butterflies, a symbol of resilience and renewal, hand-crafted to draw people to our historic landscape, have been destroyed by thoughtless individuals,' Ms Gulzar said.
The shattered sculptures, located beside a quiet pond, have already been painstakingly repaired.
'Security has been further increased on the site to prevent further acts of vandalism,' she added.
The damaged artwork formed part of a powerful piece by Pakistani-born artist Meherunnisa Asad, created in collaboration with Peshawar-based Studio Lél – a collective known for reviving ancient stone-carving techniques.
Each butterfly was sculpted from pink marble sourced from Pakistan, designed to reflect themes of migration and resilience rooted in Bradford's cultural history.
The project also includes a towering installation by artist Steve Messam, covered in sheep's wool to honour the city's industrial textile heritage.
Despite concerns raised during the planning process that the remote site could attract vandals, Bradford Council dismissed the objection, insisting it was no reason to block part of the city's flagship cultural programme.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident had been reported and urged anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the incident and are investigating a report of criminal damage.'
The Wild Uplands trail, featuring the work of four artists, is scheduled to run until October.
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