Yahoo News Princess Diana memorial becomes laughing stock for looking somewhat terrifying
This unfortunate looking collage on a Princess Diana memorial is causing something of a stir with critics – because of how ridiculous it looks.
The unusual ‘masterpiece’ was set up to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death, but people think it looks more like Lily Savage than the Princess of Wales.
The creation is actually a traditional piece of ‘art’ which adorns one of the two wells in the centre of Chesterfield marketplace, Derbys., each summer.
This particular 12ft tall well dressing of Diana was made by a group of 14 volunteers, who between them spent around 120 hours producing it, between Monday and Friday of last week.
And rather than using paint or pencils, each creation is made out of completely natural materials.
Diana can be seen with shaggy brown hair, piercing white eyes and bright pink lips – created using carnations, chrysanthemums, camomile flowers, cow parsley, leaves, grass seeds, rowan berries and egg shell.
Unsurprisingly, people reacted more with laughter than heartfelt tributes.
Local student, Emma Norton, 19, said: “This years well dressing is a little different than usual, it did make us laugh.
“But we do look forward to checking out the well dressing, it’s a lovely tradition we have.”
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One Twitter user added: “I live here and, let me tell you, I can feel its eyes on me, even now in my house.”
However, Anthony Vickers was more complimentary, writing: “This is incredible. It’s exactly what art should be.
“It’s interesting, it’s being talked about and it’s making people laugh.”
Others have likened the mural to 80s pop star Limahl, Alan Patridge, Worzel Gummidge, Alma from Coronation Street and the “Beast Jesus” painting that was restored by a pensioner on a Spanish village.
A spokesman for Chesterfield Borough Council said that the artwork was “meant to be a talking point”.
He added: “The well dressing is designed to attract visitors to the area and if the publicity encourages more people to come and experience our historic market town and local shops then that can only be good for Chesterfield.”
Chesterfield began well dressing in 1864 when the town pump in Market Place was decorated after a very dry summer.
The custom died out, but was revived in 1991 when a well was dressed as part of an exhibition about Derbyshire traditions.
Past creations have included the Queen, a Beatrix Potter tribute and Doctor Who.
The well dressing can be seen on the water pump in Chesterfield Market Place until
Saturday September 16.
