Artwork on Abbey Walk Car Park to be 'preserved for years to come' thanks to 3D scanning technology

A set of sculptures which date back to the 1960s are set to be preserved by new 3D scans after a decision was taken by North East Lincolnshire Council to demolish the car park they are attached to. The panels were created by Grimsby -born artist Harold Gosney in 1969, and adorn the pillars of Abbey Walk Car Park. Inspired by drawings in the handbook of the car the artist owned at the time - an Austin Cambridge estate car - the sculptures have been a topic of debate in recent months.

After the car park was closed permanently in May last year following the discovery of structural defects, Cabinet approved the plans to demolish the building to make way for a surface-level car park. Although the final decision on Harold's artwork is yet to be officially made, work to preserve it is already underway. The Conservation team from the University of Lincoln have used modern 3D scanning technology to project light onto the sculptures and measure the time taken for it to be reflected back.



This was then converted into co-ordinates, which can be used to reconstruct the structure into a digital 3D model. The sculptures date back to 1969 (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive) Although the 3D scanner ensures the artwork can be preserved in some format - regardless of how the structure is demolished - the project team will also be exploring ways in which the reliefs can be removed from the building as a whole. The original artist, Harold Gosney, said: “These scans sound brilliant to me and I’m so pleased my work can be kept for future use.

Those who were worried that my art may be lost need not worry anymore. This means they can last forever.” There are 40 panels on the car park in total - a repeated series of four designs and some flipped 180 degrees.

The decision was made in September to demolish the building (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive) Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “These 3D scans are absolutely amazing. I’m thrilled to see Mr Gosney’s artwork come to life. “We are thrilled to be able to preserve it for years to come and are grateful for his cooperation in the project so far.

“The decision to demolish the car park was not one taken lightly, but the safety of the borough was and always is the number one priority.” Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter The planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the car park and is currently in the planning process. To view the application, go to www.

nelincs.gov.uk-external site , search for Planning Portal, and then use reference DM/0018/25/FUL.

.