Bronte Country Art Installation is inspired by immigration stories as police hunting motorcycle gangs are crushed when they see escape from the scene
A stunning outdoor art installation in the Bronte Country was deliberately destroyed in a shocking act of vandalism – just a few days before it was opened to the public.
Two carefully carved pink marble butterflies, part of the cultural trail of the rolling waterway at Penistone Hill Country Park near Hayworth, West Yorkshire, were smashed.
Witnesses reported that after the incident, a group of young people about motorcycles fled the area. Police are now calling for information.
These butterflies are one of the 75 sculptures commissioned as part of the Outdoor Highland Art Trail, which is at the heart of the Bradford British British Culture 2025 celebration.
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025 team, branded the “sad and disappointing” attack on May 24.
Ms. Gurzar said: “It is sad that these beautiful stone butterflies (which are symbols of toughness and renewal) are hand-made symbols that draw people into our historic landscapes and are destroyed by unconscious people.”
The broken sculpture located next to a quiet pond has undergone a arduous restoration.
Two intricate pink marble butterflies, part of a rolling cultural trail at Penistone Hill Country Park near Hayworth, West Yorkshire, smashing it to pieces
Butterfly is one of 75 commissioned sculptures as part of the Outdoor Highland Art Trail, the heart of the 2025 celebration of the British British Cultural City in Bradford
“The safety is further improved on site to prevent further vandalism,” she added.
The damaged artwork is part of Pakistan-born artist Meherunnisa Asad, created in collaboration with Studio Lél in Peshawar, a group known for reviving ancient stone carving techniques.
Each butterfly is carved from pink marble from Pakistan and aims to reflect the theme of migration and resilience rooted in Bradford’s cultural history.
The project also includes a towering installation by artist Steve Messam, which is covered with sheep’s wool to commemorate the city’s industrial textile heritage.
Despite concerns arising in the planning process that remote sites might attract disruptors, Bradford Council dismissed opposition, insisting there was no reason to stop a portion of the city’s flagship cultural plan.
West Yorkshire police confirmed the incident had been reported and urged anyone with information to step up.
“We are aware of this incident and are investigating reports of criminal damages,” a spokesperson said.
Wild Uplands Trail, featuring the works of four artists, is scheduled until October.
