A GRAPHIC art work relocated to stop causing offence is still proving controversial in its new home.

Connor Barrett’s the Crucifixion of Mankind emerged from storage to be put on show at the Firstsite gallery.

The wooden carving, which shows a baby being impaled, was deemed too upsetting to be on show at Colchester Library after 40 years on public display.

Essex County Council said it had received complaints after the registrar for births, deaths and marriages moved into the building.

But it is now on show in Firstsite, close to where children’s art classes are held – an irony which art teacher Wendy Buck finds insulting.

Ms Buck 47, wants it returned to Colchester Library and describes the gravity of the complaints made against the piece as “tissue paper thin”.

She also claims its time in storage has lead to damage such as damp, cracks and brown paint splatters.

She said: “It needs to go into conservation now before it’s too late.

“The water damage could take two years to restore.

“Alarmingly, after I read the scant information at the base of the sculpture, I learnt it’s going on tour around public buildings, incredulously including schools.

“This is a ludicrous and insulting suggestion given we took it off public display.”

Another issue blighting the 1961 art work is the wheeled frame it is being displayed in, which Ms Buck said would “never happen to a Picasso”.

She said: “People fail to realise how important this artist is.”

However, Firstsite director Sally Shaw defended the location of the Barrett in a contemporary art gallery and said it is displayed on a purpose-built panel.

She added there has been no change to its condition since being on display and no complaints have been made.

She said: “At Firstsite, the work is seen differently to when it was presented in the library and visitors feel able to have an open discussion about its meaning without the pressure of its context influencing their views.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about seeing the work in a fresh context and Firstsite has enabled a continued appreciation of this valued and important work.

“One reason we’re delighted to present the work is because it’s so much part of Colchester life along with other objects and artefacts in our Wunderkammer exhibition.

“We wanted to continue the discussion about this important piece in a less pressured environment, where it might be seen by many different people.”

Other venues are also interested in a “cultural exchange” with Firstsite pursuing enquiries for the sculpture to go on tour.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Where would you like to see the Crucifixion of Mankind next? Or should it stay at Firstsite? Was it better suited at Colchester Library? Leave your comments below.