The artist was sent a box of merits, but there was no suitable one (5 photos)

15 June 2024

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Many would be surprised by a package full of genitals, but not Dale Wells. A British artist and gallerist is offering a "penis amnesty" to anyone who returns the dignity stolen from a statue of his city's mythological founder.

In the cookie box, Dale saw several copies and a note that said, "Found these while cleaning out Grandpa's house. I think this is what you're looking for."

But the statue in question is made of fiberglass, and the six virtues in the box are not.

"It looks like clay. Yeah, I think it's just clay," Wells said.

Wells co-owns the Turntable Gallery in Grimsby, England, which houses a tortured statue of a naked man and boy.

The sculpture, created by Douglas Wayne-Hobson in 1973, depicts Grim and Havelock, characters from 13th century English literature.

Legend has it that Grim, a Danish fisherman, was given the task of killing Havelock, the child who was the rightful heir to the throne. But instead, Grim saved the boy and fled with him to England, where he founded the city of Grimsby.

"I don't think there's any truth to it, but it's a nice story," Wells says.

The statue has been a target for vandals since it was first installed outside Grimsby Academy in the 70s. Grim had his penis stolen and his limbs cut off on multiple occasions, and Havelock was beheaded.

She ended up in the gallery.

Wells estimates that Grim was stripped of his dignity at least 5 times.

“It sounds stupid, but city residents are stealing the sculpture just to have a piece of the city’s founder,” says the artist.

In 2022, Wells, determined to restore Grim's virility once and for all, declared an amnesty for anyone who returned their stolen penises.

Last week a mysterious box arrived full of clay phalluses.

"Honestly, it would be great to meet the sender. I'd like to know the history and circumstances. I mean, this person probably didn't expect that his grandfather kept penises in a cookie jar," Dale said.