The “Joy of Eternal Spring” sculpture in Ensors Road, created by Christchurch artist Llew Summers, is now a permanent fixture in the Charleston neighbourhood. The Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board made a submission to last year’s Annual Plan for funding to purchase the sculpture, which has been on loan to the city on a temporary basis since January 2002.

This year, funding of $40,000 was granted from the City Council’s Art in Public Places Fund and $20,000 from the Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board to allow the art work to be purchased by the city. It is the first time a Llew Summers work has been purchased by the City Council.

The circular piece, depicting four figures dancing, weighs a hefty 13 tonnes, and is the biggest sculpture ever made by Llew. It is large enough to walk through.

It was loaned to the city for six months as part of the Charleston Neighbourhood Plan. The Ensors Road site had been identified in the Plan as a potential location for artwork. Over the time the statue has been on loan, it has become a local community focal point with children often seen playing on it.