AN IMPRESSIVE piece of artwork has been unveiled at Christchurch Park in celebration of its restoration project.

AN IMPRESSIVE piece of artwork has been unveiled at Christchurch Park in celebration of its restoration project.

Artist Linda Thomas was commissioned to make the sculpture while studying for her fine art degree at Suffolk New College.

The piece, which has been done to celebrate the Heritage Lottery Funded Restoration Project, brings together the new and the old, and the past and the future by providing two views of the park. There is a landscape view to the north west from the play area and in the opposite direction, a more contemporary glimpse of the play area.

Deputy Mayor of Ipswich Inga Lockington unveiled the sculpture, which comprises one of the largest pieces of Portland stone quarried in recent years.

The piece was inspired by a conical window shape found in Christchurch Mansion. Ms Thomas replicated this shape in the sculpture to provide the two views.

She said: “I wanted to take this window out into the park. I wanted my piece to highlight the beauty of the park and to bring it to people's attention.”

Judy Terry, Ipswich Borough Council's portfolio holder for arts, culture and leisure, added: “The prospect of creating new pieces of artwork in Christchurch has allowed us to introduce a contemporary dimension to the Heritage Lottery Funded Project and also add value to the visitors' enjoyment of this lovely park.”

What feature do you like best about the park's restoration project? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk