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As widely reported this statue was originally designed with a duck companion, at Sir Nigel's feet: "According to a planning application, artist Hazel Reeves included the duck not only in a nod to the Mallard, but because Sir Nigel was famous for feeding ducks at his Hertfordshire home." But then came the great duck debate - the family and others did not want the duck. As you see in our photo the "no bird" lobby won the day but it it was a close-fought battle, even drawing the Guardian into the fray. This controversy kept the statue world enthralled for almost two years. We were pro-duckers; which side were you on?

The Guardian's report on the controversy has a photo of the statue - with duck.