‘Horrendous’ Princess Diana tribute mocked online
Written by News on 13/09/2017
A tribute to Princess Diana has been ridiculed online, with some describing the artwork as "horrendous" and "a disgrace".
The memorial was placed in the town centre of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Princess of Wales’ death and unveiled during a special ceremony.
But the artwork, made by volunteers, was widely circulated on social media for the wrong reasons as many said it looked nothing like the late royal.
Some claimed it bore more of a likeness to Worzel Gummidge, while others said it reminded them of a much-criticised statue of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Jane Harris-Dyke described the Diana tribute as "truly horrendous".
She said: "It’s so insulting to her memory. She was so beautiful and the painting so ugly."
Nicola Wallis-McCarty added: "I doubt it was meant to cause offence, probably meant as a respectful gesture…sorry but it is a disgrace…it should be taken down immediately."
But Richard Pearson defended the memorial, which is placed in front of a well, telling critics to "get a life".
He said: "It’s a well dressing not a real life portrait and it’s a great tribute. Well done and keep up the traditions."
The tribute was made from flowers, egg shells, leaves and grass seeds and took 120 hours to create.
A spokesman for Chesterfield Borough Council said it was a "talking point".
He said: "The well dressing is produced by 14 volunteers using the ancient Derbyshire art of well dressing, which involves creating designs from flower petals and other natural materials.
"All art is meant to be a talking point and that certainly seems to be the case with this year’s design.
"The well dressing is designed to attract visitors to the area and if the publicity encourages more people to come and experience our historic market town and local shops then that can only be good for Chesterfield."
The council says a new well dressing is produced every year, each with a different theme. Previous themes have included the Golden Jubilee and Alice in Wonderland.
This year’s work will be on display in Chesterfield Market Place until Saturday.
(c) Sky News 2017: ‘Horrendous’ Princess Diana tribute mocked online
