A wave of concern swept through the Derbyshire market town of Belper after its distinctive 7ft Mr Potato Head statue disappeared from its usual location outside the town council offices. Locals, familiar with the fibreglass figure, began to speculate about its whereabouts, prompting official clarification from Belper Town Council.
The council has now confirmed that the much-loved, albeit sometimes controversial, artwork has not gone missing. Instead, it has been temporarily removed to undergo essential repairs and a fresh coat of paint. This intervention follows reports of damage, including a broken hand, arm, and hat, which posed a potential safety risk to the public.
The statue's story in Belper dates back to 2000 when it was gifted by Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Belper's American twin town and the birthplace of the iconic Hasbro toy. One of 48 statues created as part of a joint campaign by the Rhode Island Tourism Division and Hasbro, this particular Mr Potato Head was initially shipped across the Atlantic decorated to resemble William Blackstone, an early English settler in Rhode Island.
Its arrival sparked immediate division within the community, as documented by former Belper News editor Adrian Farmer. "Immediately, there were two views in the town - those people who absolutely loved him and those people who absolutely didn't," Farmer recounted. Over the years, the statue has been relocated multiple times and even experienced a memorable 'spud-nap' in 2002, when students briefly 'held it hostage' and wrapped it in tin foil.
In 2015, a local youth group gave Mr Potato Head a colourful makeover, repainting him in the vibrant colours associated with the classic Hasbro toy. More recently, the statue had been situated in the town council's office garden before the decision was made for its current restoration. The council has reassured residents that the figure is being well cared for and will return once its repairs are complete.
Its return is anticipated with enthusiasm. "I think people will love seeing him," Adrian Farmer commented, adding, "I'm sure there'll be people lining up to have their photographs taken with him again." The incident highlights the unique affection and local identity tied to this unusual piece of public art.