The work at Bude Canal is perhaps typical of the sort of public art that we seem to produce in this country.

It seems to inhabit the awkward hinterland between art and design, where the piece has to satisfy a number of preordained criteria drawn up by a well meaning committee, who have their own preconceived ideas of what to expect.

In this case the result fits in with the site, has a nautical theme, and will in a short time 'weather' and blend into the surroundings happily.

I look forward to the time when a sculptor is given a free hand to produce work that is valued for its own sake and does not have to follow a 'heritage' driven design brief. Then we may get something truly exciting or shocking. Or even controversial!

Bude.