Four Year Anniversary of Removal of Ursa The Bear in Bristol Passes

It’s been ten years since Ursa the Bear was installed on the Bearpit in Bristol in May 2013. And just over four years since it was removed in 2019.

The much-loved piece of artwork by Jamie Gillman, left a hole in the heart of the city. Many people hold fond memories of the 12ft bear looking out across St James Barton Roundabout at commuters streaming in and out of Bristol.

It has come to represent the face of the city and can still be seen inspiring and adorning artwork in 2023.

Ursa at the Bearpit

It was in September 2019 that Ursa was permanently removed as part of the controversial Bearpit clearance by Marvin Rees.

A statement made at the time by the directors of Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC) said: “In the face of continued threats of legal action from Bristol City Council we are left with no alternative but to comply with the ruling by Marvin Rees and Asher Craig and organise the safe removal of Ursa from the Bearpit.”

The PRSC website also says: ‘For these reasons, Ursa will be carefully dismantled and removed from the Bearpit. PRSC appreciate that many people will be disappointed and angry that Ursa has been evicted from the Bearpit by Bristol City Council, but PRSC has been left with no alternative. The sculpture will now be taken to a safe location for renovation work.’

The Making of Ursa on the PRSC YouTube page

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