Deteriorating artwork at Eden Court in Inverness is dug up to make way for more outdoor space
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It has intrigued and delighted thousands of visitors to Eden Court Theatre in Inverness over the years.
But a large outdoor artwork on the theatre's lawn has now reached the end of its life and is being decommissioned to create more outdoor space particularly with the need for more social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Excavation by Kate Whiteford was one of six site-specific artworks installed when Eden Court reopened in 2007 following a £25 million extension and refurbishment.
Chief executive James Mackenzie-Blackman said all were commissioned for 10 years.
"Like all aspects of the public realm, public art deteriorates over time which is why much of it is not made to be permanent," he explained in a blog.
"For this reason, decommissioning is always an essential part of the commissioning process.
"This was the case at Eden Court, in which all six artworks were commissioned for 10 years, their siting intended to be reviewed as the building evolved and developed following installation.
"One of the works that has sadly come to the end of its life is Kate Whiteford’s land-drawing, entitled Excavation, on the Eden Court’s lawn."
He said many would be familar with the large-scale work.
"Inspired by the relationship between landscape and history, the work is the result of an archaeological dig, the lawn stripped back to reveal symbols on a powerful scale, with motifs developed from research into carved Pictish and Celtic symbol stones found in the Highlands," he said.
"A popular work, it has sadly deteriorated over time."
He said resurfacing the area with lawn would enable the venue to offer more public space for visitors to enjoy.
"In the summer months, this will mean that visitors to our popular Under Canvas event have more space to enjoy the best live music on our lawns," he said.
"The current global pandemic, and the continued need for social distancing, also means that additional lawn space will be needed for outdoor events.
"Decommissioning artwork is a bit like saying goodbye to an old friend. But, like so much of the work we present on stage and screens at Eden Court, its magic is in its ephemeral and temporary nature.
"Gone, but not forgotten, Kate’s artwork will be remembered for intriguing many thousands of visitors to Eden Court over the past 13 years."
Other artwork includes Donald Urquhart’s Sky Lined Forms on the six wind towers.
