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Elderly couple forced to cover up their 'offensive' replica of Michelangelo's David outside sheltered accommodation complex
Council warden orders couple to move replica of 16th century statue
Daily Mail Reporter
24th June 2011
It's been around for 500 years but now the manhood on Michelangelo's David has upset the sensitivities of Leicestershire council.
When a couple put up a replica of the nude statue outside their home a killjoy council told them to move it - because it was causing offence.
Although thousands see the 16th century artwork in Florence, Italy, every year, officials in Stamford swooped within days when Clive and Joan Burgess put their replica up.
The couple, who live in a warden-controlled sheltered accommodation complex, were told their neighbours had complained.
Now they have hidden the statue, behind a shrub and a patio set in the garden of neighbour Sue Cullen.
They said they are shocked the statue has created such a stir.
Mrs Burgess, 64, said: 'The warden asked us to move him as people didn't want to look at him. They think it is not tasteful.
'It was offending folk but I can't see the reason behind it. I heard someone was going to buy a pair of pants and put them on him.'
Mr Burgess, 71, added: 'It is a timeless piece of art.'
Although the artwork has been on display in Florence since it was unveiled in 1504, the couple said they had no choice but to move it.
