Verity The Pregnant Nude Woman Of Ilfracombe

While away in North Devon we drove to the coastal town of Ilfracombe where controversy rages about the bronze statue which dominates the small harbour.

Verity, as the statue is called, is the work of Damien Hirst and towers 67 feet high. It’s been described by some critics as outrageous, immoral, bizarre, offensive and disgusting. What seems to be upsetting people is that Verity is a nude, pregnant woman – but one half of her body has been peeled back to show the baby within the womb and her muscular structure.

Of course, others describe the statue as beautiful and unique.

Verity holds a sword in one hand, raised high above her and scales in her other hand, held firmly behind her back. She is standing on law books. How do we interpret this? The obvious is a link between the sword of truth and the scales of justice.

The official line is that it is ‘a modern-day allegory for truth and justice.’

Damien Hirst has commented that, “Without the perfect equilibrium enacted by the scales, the sword becomes a dangerous instrument of power, rather than justice” Not sure if I fully grasp what he’s on about, but it’s probably not that important as ultimately it’s good for the tourist trade. And Mr Hirst just happens to own a restaurant in the town.

The photo above and at the top of the post were taken from St Nicholas Chapel – the chapel on a hill, that’s the building below, proudly flying the Union Flag.

There is quite a contrast between Hirst’s statue and the chapel. Verity was placed in position in 2012 but the chapel has been around since 1321. In the middle ages it maintained a light to guide shipping into Ilfracombe harbour – and still acts as a lighthouse today, said to be the oldest in England.

Personally I liked both Verity and the chapel, and also the fresh air and cliffs of Ilfracombe even if it wasn’t the sunny day I’d hoped for.

Other recent Devon posts:
The Photo Of The Ghost Of Broomfield Cottage Tawstock
The Red Sky And The Invasion Of The Scarecrows
The Strange Orbs And Mysterious Coincidences Of Tawstock

For more interesting and unusual stories like this go to 67 Not Out – coincidences, synchronicity, UFOs, reincarnation and many other mysteries.