Damien Hirst is to shut down his quayside restaurant close to one of his most striking pieces of artwork, the imposing bronze statue Verity, in north Devon.
Hirst’s restaurant, the Quay, in Ilfracombe, has become popular with visitors who make the pilgrimage to view the 20-metre statue, which includes a glimpse of a developing foetus in the figure’s womb.
Another draw of the restaurant is the chance to dine or drink among less confrontational Hirst works including butterfly, spot and pickled fish pieces.
The combination of statue and restaurant has been credited by many with helping to revive the fortunes of the seaside town.
The restaurant is due to close next month. Sources close to Hirst, who has a home and workshop in the area, said the move was part of a wide-ranging restructuring of his company Science Ltd that would help clear more time for him to spend in the studio.
Hirst shut down his gallery Other Criteria in Ilfracombe last year, and this week he came in for criticism from a local publican who expressed frustration that the building and two others owned by Hirst on the quay remained empty.
A spokesperson for Science said: “Damien is making changes at his company and has made the difficult decision to close the Quay and sell or rent all the properties he owns on the seafront, finding the right people to take them on.”
Last year Hirst, said to be the richest artist in the UK, pulled out of plans to develop an eco town on the outskirts of Ilfracombe.
His spokesperson made it clear he was not completely cutting ties with the town. “Damien has a long history with Ilfracombe and loves the people and the area,” the spokesperson said.
Verity will be staying: the 25-tonne statue is on long-term loan to north Devon council.