A?PETERSFIELD?sculptor has created a striking new artwork at the Charles Dickens Activity Centre in Portsmouth.

John Thomson, who has exhibited his sculptures internationally for more than 30 years in countries including Russia, Iceland and Ireland, has come closer to home for this commission.

For Jigsaw, unveiled by Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan on Tuesday, he has relocated and reworked the original wall sculpture on the centre to make full use of its extensive outside wall.

The aim was to provide a new local landmark, by rearranging the faces from the old sculpture, to establish a positive visual identity for the community centre.

“My work pays homage to the traditionally crafted object, but is driven by ideas and imagery associated with contemporary political, social and identity issues,” said John. “Steel, scored or etched, combined with wood, ceramic and stone sections, is my basic material.

“My methods are akin to those of a vehicle panel beater who shapes and curves individual metal sections to form a complete, coherent structure.”