Verity//Damien Hirst

Verity is a 67 foot tall steel and bronze statue created by Damien Hirst and located in Ilfracombe, a small seaside town with a working harbour, in North Devon, where Hirst also lives. The statute is 10 inches taller than the Angel of the North, making it the largest statue in the UK. Hirst has loaned the statue to the Devon council for 20 years. Because of the location of Verity, she had to be tested in a wind tunnel before she was erected to ensure that she could withstand the strong winds and spray from the sea.

The statue is a pregnant woman holding a sword and scales, standing on a pile of law books, and Hirst has described his work as a "modern allegory to truth and justice". Half of the statute shows the internal anatomy, with skin peeling away on her limbs, showing clearly an unborn baby inside her. This stance is said to be inspired by Edgar Degas' 'Little Dancer of Fourteen Years', which has also previously inspired Hirst's work.

The statue has been slated by locals, calling it 'ugly' and 'unsuitable for a Victorian seaside town'. I agree that the statue isn't necessarily in keeping with the history or style of the rest of the town, but she does stand in Hirst's home town, which is rather impressive, given that he is a world famous artist. Verity is also very unique and has an interesting story, so she brings something very special to a small town only known before for its working harbour and picturesque seaside views. Not only that, but being 67 feet tall and made of steel and bronze, Verity is a fine work of art and shows absolutely tremendous craftsmanship. I believe the statue is very special and I am very interested in the story and Fine Art side to piece. I visited Ilfracombe on a very sunny day, so the views I got of Verity were astounding, the sunlight, blue sky and blue sea in the background definitely added to her beauty.