A huge ant sculpture created by a Hucknall artist has been sold off as part of the Prodigy frontman Keith Flint's estate.
The sculpture fetched £8,000 at an auction to help settle his debts after he was found dead in March this year.
The work of Hucknall artist Gavin Darby was among the highest selling items at the auction in Cambridge on Thursday (November 6).
The giant eight foot ant – a reference to the logo of The Prodigy – was one of six Gavin created for the group's live arena performance at the Milton Keynes Bowl in 2010.
After the show, one ant was kept by Keith Flint at his home until his death earlier this year.
Gavin has been creating artwork from scrap metal since he was made redundant in 2006.
What started as an eccentric hobby soon blossomed into a unique project called Frailloop, with Gavin creating a range of sculptures.
He said: “I was shocked when I saw one of my old creations appearing suddenly in the news.
“I was saddened to hear of Keith Flint’s death earlier this year but hadn’t considered what might happen to the giant ants he had kept from the show.
"I’m sure that they will be going to a good new home with some of Keith’s fans.
“I had only been making metal sculptures for a few years when I was approached to create the giant ants, but as a long-time fan of The Prodigy I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.
"They were a real challenge to make – with scaffolding legs and galvanised steel bodies.
"I have always recycled scrap metal in my work to reflect my views on the environment and these were no exception. I hope that their new owners will enjoy them as much as Keith did.”
Keith Flint was found dead at his Essex home in March this year. He was 49.
Prodigy were last in Nottingham on November 3, 2018, at the Motorpoint Arena - the day after they released their latest album, No Tourists.
The band clocked up seven number 1 albums, sold 30 million records, played to many millions around the world and won multiple honours (two Brits, two Kerrang! awards, five MTV awards, two Grammy nominations).
In total, £347,750 was made at the auction after more than 170 items were sold.
Speaking before the auction, Martin Millard, director at Cheffins Fine Art, said: “The sale is full of interesting items which give an insight into Keith’s personal life and highlight the difference between his stage persona and his private life.
"Valuing items with such provenance is almost impossible, and therefore we will not be publishing any pre-sale estimates, but expect there to be lots to cater to most budgets.”
