Forgotten Totem

At the old Commonwealth Institute I spotted this intriguing culpture, abandoned, as you see, and being gradually embraced by ivy.  It's clearly one of the exhibitits from the Institute which didn't make it to the British Empire Exhibition (and thence, illegally into the grasp of private collectors I suppose. See my post below).

It is by the acclaimed Zimbabwean sculptor John Takawira and it is called "Totem Protection."   I'm imagining it standing there through a decade of rain and wind and neglect, seen only by security guards and their dogs, and bravely keeping an eye on the place, all alone.  

Actually, I am hoping that Dave King may spot this post and write a poem about it, if he is ever stuck for inspiration. ( I firmly believe Dave is one of those people, like Tennyson, who actually thinks in poetry -  so click on his name and take a look at his blog, if you like poems. )

I have written to the Design Museum asking if they're going to incorporate Totem Protection  into the bright new renovation scheme. It would be a pity to see it carted away on a builder's truck for an unknown destination, like so much else that was in this museum. 

And there's acres of fantastic hardwood flooring inside, too. Just flagging it up, y'know.... wouldn't like that to disappear either...