KING KONG RETURNS
Designer-maker collective, Birmingham Originals, are using this weekend’s City of Colours Festival to bring back the infamous King Kong statue to the city with a Gorilla Party and the creation of a 21st century version.
The former 17ft fiberglass sculpture last seen in the city back in 1972 but with the use of a range of materials the collective will create a 6ft sculpture inspired by the jungle king at the Custard Factory. The sculpture’s frame will be built of wire mesh, and thanks to a partnership with art supply store Cass Art, will then be covered using an assortment of collage and sculpting materials.
Once the frame has been put in place the artists are inviting members of the public to leave their own mark on the sculpture and help decorate it at an official Gorilla Party. Unlike the original statue, which was grey, the new sculpture will be bright pink.
Adrienne Frances and Kirsty Hillyer, owners of Frilly Industries and co-captains of Birmingham Originals, said: ”We have fond memories of the 70s King Kong at the old Bullring site – despite it having left the city before we were even born! We’ve followed the statue’s journey online and were bemused to discover it was once painted pink – so we decided to honour that in our version. Plus, at City of Colours, we knew it had to be something bright! Our #etsycraftparty is all about bringing local makers together and connecting them to local people whilst having fun!”
The Gorilla Party takes place on Saturday 18th June between 11am-4pm. The event is free to attend and open to all ages.
