The ancient history of Gillingham, once a Royal Forest, has been encapsulated with the stunning sculptures of a white stag and two red deer placed on the roundabout to the gateway of the town.

Sculpture artist Pauline Dawkins has created the sculptures of a white stag and two red deer from recycled chicken wire following a commission from the former North Dorset District Council and Gillingham Town Council.

The original idea came from local artist Janet Swiss, a former member of Gillingham’s Town Team, to represent Gillingham as a former Royal Forest favoured in Medieval times by King John and King Henry III. The forest was used to supply the Royal larder with meat and timbers for Royal buildings.

Janet said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the result.” Pauline said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed making this fabulous commission for Gillingham. The comments and support from the local people of Gillingham have been amazing. I feel that everyone’s hard work has come together successfully.”

Mayor of Gillingham, Barry von Clemens, said: “It’s fabulous to see the completion of this first part of the Gateway Project, giving a positive image of our town to people as they enter Gillingham.”

The White Hart appears in the town’s crest and is also used by Gillingham School and other organisations in the town. A stag is planned for the smaller roundabout at Peacemarsh and landscaping work will continue this year. However, a shortage of flower bulbs mean the spring bulbs planned for 2021 will be finished in autumn and ready for a gorgeous display in 2022.

The works have been made possible thanks to a grant, which was received two years ago from the former North Dorset District Council and Gillingham Town Council to fund the refurbishment of the town’s roundabouts.

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