First look at Harry Kane statue hidden in storage for years

After we revealed them, the pictures got football fans and Waltham Forest residents alike chatting. “Am I missing something here, councils are struggling for money and Waltham Forest Council sees fit to spend £7,200 on a statue of a footballer. Think how better this could have been spent: foodbanks, warm shelter for homeless people,” said one follower on Instagram.

On Reddit, a Spurs fan put it more bluntly: “Yeah, it should probably stay hidden”.

With many saying the statue appeared to be made of chocolate – The Big Issue has contacted its makers to find out what exactly Harry has been carved out of – Alex Burd on Twitter said: “You just know it tastes of Easter Egg chocolate”.

Bayern Munich striker Kane, who grew up in Chingford, is the record, all-time highest goalscorer for both England and Tottenham Hotspur.

While the footballer’s likeness remains in an undisclosed location, public sculptures around the UK are becoming more diverse. A report by Art UK found that an increasing number of stories and experiences were being represented by statues.

“As our city centres and urban areas are redeveloped – with former centres of industry making way for new estates and social centres – these new sculptures are an important reminder to future generations of how our landscapes and lives have changed,” said Katey Goodwin, deputy director of Art UK, in 2023.

Fans of Plymouth Argyle came together in 2022 to unveil a statue of Jack Leslie, a 1920s footballer who should have become England’s first Black player.

Despite departing to ply his trade in Germany, Kane’s work in East London continues, as his Harry Kane Foundation aims to “transform a generation’s thinking about mental health”. His efforts have received accolades, including a gong at the 2023 Smiley Charity Film Awards.