Gore’s Gold Guitar statue has gone northeast to Dunedin. PHOTO: TRADE ME What was once a Gore treasure has headed north. The Gold Guitar sculpture, which used to sit in the town’s main street to advertise the annual country music festival, has left for a new home in Dunedin. The 6m sculpture, created by artist Erroll Allison, has belonged to Gore collector Frank Wilson for five years. Mr Wilson bought it from a friend. He saved it from being scrapped for parts. However, he found it did not fit well with his collection in Gore, which mainly had a motoring theme. It was listed on Trade Me and did not sell, though there was some interest. Mr Wilson said word of mouth led to a Dunedin couple buying the striking guitar. "They had no idea it was even for sale — a friend told them it was for sale and they rang me." He was happy it had finally found a home. "It found its forever home, and that’s what it’s all about. "I’m happy, they’re thrilled." He did not say how much it sold for. It initially had a reserve of $1500 when first listed. He did not know what the Dunedin couple would do with it. gerrit.doppenberg@odt.co.nz
