A bench housing a Paddington Bear statue was vandalized over the weekend in Guildhall Square, Southampton. Photographs show the legs and several slats missing from the wooden bench, indicating significant damage to the structure. The incident has been reported to the police, who are investigating the vandalism.
The council is working to repair the bench and find a new location for the bear to ensure its safety and preservation. The statue was unveiled in October 2024 as one of 23 Paddington statues installed across the country to celebrate the cinema release of Paddington in Peru, highlighting its cultural significance. The 42-inch-high statue features Paddington with his iconic red hat and blue overcoat holding a marmalade sandwich, capturing the beloved character's classic appearance.
It was located near the Westquay shopping centre in Southampton city centre, making it a prominent public attraction. Go! Southampton, the organization that looks after the statue, described it as a sad day for Southampton, expressing disappointment over the incident.
Locals have reacted online, with some asking why people ruin everything and suggesting CCTV installation to prevent future vandalism. The statue is now taking refuge in the Go! Southampton office, where it is being kept secure.
Mettricks kept the statue safe overnight, and John Hansard Gallery helped clean up the area, showing community support. This is the latest attack on a Paddington Bear statue, indicating a pattern of similar incidents targeting these public artworks.