‘Phoenix Rising’ stolen from library

Staff at Epsom community library are calling on local residents to help solve the mysterious disappearance of the sculpture Phoenix Rising from outside the library.

Staff arrived at work on Wednesday 9 June to find the sculpture missing.

The much loved and admired sculpture was created in 1995 by award-winning sculptor Keith Simpson. It is made of highly polished stainless steel and stands two metres tall in the shape of a mythical phoenix bird about to rise into the air. To complement this, the library had it mounted on two stainless steel poles, giving the impression of the phoenix floating up the side of the building.

Community libraries manager, Corrina Miekle says, “It seems as though it was taken from the outside the library some time between late Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. It would have taken quite an effort for the thieves to remove the sculpture as it was solidly bolted down.

“We have notified the police but would appreciate any information the pubilc may have. We would like to know if local residents or passers-by noticed any unusual activity in the library grounds on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, or if anyone has information that could lead to the whereabouts of the sculpture,” says Ms Meikle.

The sculpture was purchased in 1998 by Auckland City and the Epsom Community Board to celebrate the reopening of the Epsom library.

Mr Simpson was very upset to hear of the theft. He has offered to replace the sculpture if the original is not found.

If anyone has information to provide please call (09) 379 2020.

© Scoop Media