Colchester Castle globe artwork damaged by vandals

The globe is one of three on display across Colchester as part of a unique trail created over six months by Will Teather.

CCTV footage has captured two teenagers swinging one of the globes in the air until its wire snapped, sending it crashing into Colchester Castle's stone floor last Sunday.

Mr Teather said watching the incident back made him “furious”, adding: “They swung it like a wrecking ball until the chord split and I can’t really believe it.

Well-rounded - the artwork suspended as part of the exhibition in Colchester Castle (Image: Will Teather)

Mindless - the globe is in need of repair after being damaged by the vandals (Image: Will Teather)

“I worked on this project for six months and I’m very upset about it.

“It is the first time a piece of my work has been vandalised and it is a great shame because I made sure it was publicly accessible to all.

“We are not going to be put off by some idiots and I hope people will come and enjoy the trail and this globe is fully back up as soon as possible.”

The artist said the globe is now back in his workshop in Norwich and work is already underway to get it back on display in the coming weeks.

Finishing touches - Will Teather was still perfecting one of the globes the day it went on show (Image: Newsquest)

Finished - Will Teather with one of the globes in Lion Walk (Image: Will Teather)

It was part of his Teather’s Infinite Perspectives project which celebrates landmarks in Colchester in a “playful and exciting” manner while exploring different ways of seeing the world.

The fibreglass globe, which depicts a spaceman, suffered a series of cracks and chips during the incident but the structural integrity held firm.

Essex Police is now assisting Colchester Council in its probe to determine what happened.

Mr Teather added: “I'm grateful for Colchester Museums' support and I hope they find the people who did this.”

Suspended - the globe was hosted in the Well House of Colchester Castle (Image: Will Teather)

Proud - Will Teather with another of his globes (Image: Newsquest)

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “It is not yet clear whether the damage was malicious or accidental but the boys ran off before the globe hit the floor, so they may not be aware of the extent of the damage they caused.

“The globe is a popular exhibit at Colchester Castle and it is disappointing that it has been damaged.

“The castle team is working with the artist to ensure that the globe is back on display soon.”