When the sculpture was absent from its standard position at the rear of the market, Janet Martin, the owner of a local art establishment, had said:
“It needs to be put back. These are things of real cultural significance to Newport and they seem to be disappearing.”
The bronze pig in question had remained in its normal spot for nine years before its disappearance. The return of the porcine statue means that it can be used in advertising to promote the market; it may well be that postcard printing in Newport is employed for this purpose in the future.
The sculpture is the same size as a typical Gloucester Old Spot, and it was actually in storage when members of the public were alarmed by its disappearance. The decision to move the object had been made to protect it when a bus terminus was under construction.
It was back in 1994 that the work was unveiled. Sebastian Boyesen was the sculptor responsible for producing the art, while Ted Travers from the local authority presided over the ceremony.
Newport market is Victorian in origin, and the pig sculpture is normally surrounded by a variety of vegetables. In addition, baskets containing fruit are frequently kept in close proximity to the unusual statue.