What drove internationally renowned artists, Jeremy Deller and Alan Kane, to choose Egremont as a location for their first public sculpture? Jeremy and Alan have made their name for for public projects and exhibitions which promote a democratic view of culture, often remixing traditional cultures with contemporary life. The breathtaking vitality of the town had simply knocked them over when they first visited Crab Fair. Alongside the rituals of Cumberland wrestling, gurning, pipe smoking, hound trailing and giant vegetables, sat microlite display teams, rock bands and talent competitions. This inspired many of the most striking images which made up their prize winning Folk Archive which toured Europe.
When they noticed that the pole was no longer a feature of the Fair in 2003 they wanted to know why. It had proved impossible for the Crab Fair committee to obtain public liability insurance for the temporary wooden structure, and they were moved to give Egremont back something they felt they owed it by designing a public sculpture and striking iconic landmark which would also function as a permanent feature in the Market Place to be put to use every Crab Fair.

The new pole is intended to improve upon the original wooden one through use of advanced and low maintenance materials and the addition of a decorative collar. This collar prevents it from being climbed outside the Crab Fair, yet can be ritually raised to the top of the Pole at the start of Crab Fair week, where it can be used to hold the prize. The main structure is made out of carbon fibre by the racing yacht manufacturer, Formula Spars. The carbon fibre will ensure low maintenance, durability and strength for its lifetime of use, whilst its woven texture and iridescent finish will mark it out as distinct from regular street furnishings and similar structures. It is also, as even supremely fit Brian Musson found out when he tried to climb it, seriously slippery.
Jamie Reed, who had wisely resisted the temptation to try climbing it himself, recalled that greasy poles had a serious significance for politicians and that phrase itself had been coined by 19th century prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli to express the perils of public life. "Egremont has taken its knocks over the years, but is now on the way up," he declared. This distinguished landmark would grace the magnificent Georgian Main Street and help to put the town on the map by making it instantly recognisable.

Copeland's Mayor, Anne Faichney, thanked the artists on behalf of the Council for this "outstanding gift to us" and also thanked all the agencies which had made this possible.
This project had added weight because it was not merely instigated by the artists, but also came out of a wish from the town to save this valued cultural icon. It has been co-ordinated by Grizedale Arts with the generous support of The Egremont and Area Regeneration Partnership, West Lakes Renaissance, Lord Egremont, Copeland Borough Council, The Henry Moore Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Egremont Town Council and Arts Council England.