The news that the grotesque favorite of the public, “woven” from brooms (cochia and weeping willow branches, originally birch) will be removed from Station Square, flew around the Eagle back in 2015. It was rumored that a sculpture made of stone or metal would take its place. On August 3, 2016, on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the city, an expressive bronze king of the sky "settled" at the railway station, trying to take off from the ball - the symbol of the planet Earth. The new monument to the eagle in Orel is four meters high.
Vasily, where was Muse?
The former visiting card of the settlement was perceived by the audience in different ways. The large-headed willow bird, as if condescending to human fuss, delighted some with its grandeur, revolted others with its strange appearance. The latter could not understand: why is a terrible-looking crow ranked among the proud family of hawks? Should she meet and see off the guests of the region covered with military and labor glory? Whatever they say, but the unusual appearance of the symbol was a success.
The ambiguous monument to the eagle in Orel was created by the master of topiary sculpture Vasily Antropov, who once moved here fromcapital of Khakassia. Abakan is the "parent" of another city attraction - elephants in the city park. The kids are delighted with the green giants. The management of the institution even intended to give them "passports" (to install nameplates).
People's wishes sounded instead of vulnerable lawn grass to cover the surrounding area with decorative pebbles. While, in a rush to get closer to the figures, the boys and girls trample the living carpet.
Sorry for the bird
However, let's get back to the theme of "Monuments to the eagle" (the description of which the local guides get fantastic). The bronze flyer on a balloon near the railway station was designed by a sculptor from Kursk, Yuri Kireev. Now it is the pride of the city. It was as if there were no months when black clouds of danger hung over the willow "old man", and the inhabitants of the region stirred in a single wave of protest.
I remember that the old monument to the eagle in Orel caused a flurry of discussions on social networks. Excited people sounded the alarm: “The feathered Central Russian handsome man is very popular among tourists! In terms of fame, it is ahead of the only monument in Russia dedicated to the writer Nikolai Leskov, a native of the Oryol province! And then suddenly remove it? No way!"
Don't disappear, legend
And gift products based on an unforgettable image? And what about the photographs in which the proud hero, even if not too elegant, is captured from a variety of angles? What about talking mugs? And the myriad of magnets, decorative plates from which a formidable predator looks out?
Local designers objected: all this cannot be compared with the shortcomings of the statue. The statue of an eagle in Orel - this unforgettable crown of "straw creativity" - not only spoils the view of the square, but interferes with the view: because of it, it is impossible to admire the Palace of Culture of the Railway Workers. A miracle just needs to be “deported”! Among the opponents there were also those who argued that a more aesthetic sign would not fit into the architectural appearance of the place where the flower bed was originally intended.
Eagle - hero of the day
The public failed to change the situation: the newcomer "arrived". The former one (made of rods) was installed where it can be seen by "everyone who enters" the 909 quarter. It is believed that the movement almost deprived the figure of greatness and glory. It stands quietly, peacefully. So cute retro.
Most of the townspeople and visitors believe that the authorities acted wisely by preserving the zest. Disposing of the past is easy, but is it always necessary? A careful attitude to the past, as a rule, is much better than "sweeping" innovations. To break is not to build.
Being in the subject of "topiary" collisions, some travelers are not aware: there is another monument "Eagle". In Orel, his address is known to many: Kromskoye Highway, 4, Shopping Center of the GRINN Megacomplex. The sculptural group is installed near the Boyarskoye cafe.
Founding Eagle
This monument to the eagle in Orel is five meters high. The author is the same - Yuri Kireev (the inspirer of the "eagle undertakings" is entrepreneur Nikolai Greshilov). The construction was installed on April 28, 2016, on the eve of the 450th anniversaryancient fortress (the date of foundation of Orel is 1566, the city's birthday is celebrated on August 5).
According to legend, Ivan the Terrible traveled around the borders of the state and made a stop at the confluence of the Oka and Orlik rivers. The Grand Duke liked the place. An eagle flew up from an oak destined for the citadel. This is how the name of the famous settlement of Russia was born. The story formed the basis of the composition "Founding Eagle": the master of the sky holds a letter in his claws, next to him are two servants of the king (archers). An impressive sight.
However, many tourists prefer the Eagle of the Anniversary. On the wave of comparisons, they assure: the station building itself looks like a bird, ready to soar into the high blue. What a romantic! Nearby - a clean square, where you need a brand new tiled flooring. The modern city is being improved. New attractions suit him!
