Sculpture to set sail for London in first stage of major project to conserve Port Sunlight landmark

The first step in a significant project to bring Port Sunlight’s much-loved grade II listed Boating Pond back to life is taking place. On Wednesday 4 March, a crane will be used to remove the fountain’s central sculpture before it is transported to London temporarily for conservation work.

It will be the first time the ‘Sea Piece’ sculpture has been removed since it was installed in 1950 by its creator, Sir Charles Wheeler, who is most famous for his sculptures in London’s Trafalgar Square and at the Bank of England. His sculpture enhanced one of Port Sunlight’s most popular landmarks, the Boating Pond – or Boating Lake, as some residents fondly call it.

Port Sunlight was founded in 1888 by William Lever for the workers at his soap factory. Today it is celebrated as one of finest surviving planned industrial settlements in the world.

This conservation work has been commissioned by Port Sunlight Village Trust, the independent charity responsible for preserving and promoting the Wirral village. Generous funding from the Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust has made the project possible.

However, to fully complete this ambitious project for the benefit of everyone who lives, works and visits the village, Port Sunlight Village Trust is asking for further support from the public to ensure the protection and continued care of the monument. Donations can be made online or in-person at Port Sunlight Museum.

In 2021, it was discovered that the Boating Pond required significant structural work and so the fountain was switched off and the pond emptied. Now, five years later, the relocation of the ‘Sea Piece’ sculpture will enable essential works to begin on reconstructing the Boating Pond’s basin and reintroduce the water feature.

Once the sculpture reaches a specialist conservation studio in London, with the support of conservators Rupert Harris Conservation and art-handlers Mtec, it will undergo detailed assessment, cleaning and treatment. Its modern brown patina will be removed, and conservators will restore the sculpture as closely as possible to Sir Charles Wheeler’s original light green finish. The sculpture will return to Port Sunlight later this year.

Andrew Bowden, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “Our project to renew the Boating Pond reflects our commitment to preserving the heritage and character of Port Sunlight while ensuring that the village continues to thrive for future residents and visitors. We are grateful for the community’s patience and support as we carry out this essential work, and to the Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust for their support in making this project happen – however we need everyone’s further support to ensure we can complete this important work and we would welcome any donations, big or small.”

Jean Milton, Director of Heritage at Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: “Sea Piece is an iconic and much‑loved landmark in Port Sunlight’s landscape, and its conservation marks a significant milestone for the village. This phase of the project is the result of extensive planning, and we are pleased to be working with highly respected specialists to ensure the sculpture receives the highest standard of care. The work we are undertaking now will safeguard both the sculpture and the Boating Pond for generations to come.”

In the weeks following the sculpture’s removal, hoardings will be installed around the monument to allow structural works on the pond basin to begin. The hoardings will remain in place until the works are completed and the fountain is operational by autumn 2026.

To find out more about the project and how to support, visit portsunlightvillage.com