The life-size bronze of Sylvia Townsend Warner, planned for South Street, was to feature a cat inspired by Susie, a well-known local feline.
However, Visible Women, the charity behind the £60,000 project, said “unpleasant” comments about the sculpture’s likeness had caused upset. Donors who contributed on the basis of Susie’s image are now being offered refunds.
Cat likeness sparks row
Visible Women explained the cat was never meant to be an exact copy and has since been described as simply “a generic cat”.
The sculptor, Denise Dutton, who also created the Mary Anning statue in Lyme Regis, has reportedly found the situation more amusing than offensive.
A historic first for Dorchester
The statue will be the first non-royal female monument in the town and aims to honour Warner’s contribution to literature. A contemporary of Virginia Woolf, she lived in Dorset with her partner Valentine Ackland. Local heritage groups have welcomed the project, noting Warner’s absence from Dorset’s cultural landmarks despite her literary influence.
The statue is expected to be installed once the crowdfunding project is complete.
