A WATERFRONT artwork created to celebrate a Suffolk man's role in the founding of American 400 hundred years ago has been officially unveiled.

A WATERFRONT artwork created to celebrate a Suffolk man's role in the founding of American 400 hundred years ago has been officially unveiled.

Beyond the Horizon, Dan Savage's 12-metre piece of vitreous enamel on glass, was inspired by Bartholomew Gosnold's journey to establish the first permanent English-speaking settlement in what became the North American state of Virginia.

The artwork shows scenes inspired by the violent clashes with native Indian tribes and the settlers' struggle to survive in a wet, mosquito-infested land.

Mr Savage, whose Orwell Quay work was commissioned by Ipswich Borough Council and Persimmon Homes, said he wanted the piece to stimulate the people of Ipswich.

“There is more to it than meets the eye - the black glass reflects what's going on in the river today,” he said.

Ipswich mayor Inga Lockington said Beyond the Horizon was a chance for the town to renew its links with Jamestown.

“This is a historical link we are keen to hold on to and the way you see the reflections from the river in the artwork is absolutely gorgeous.

“It's wonderful to see so many people here.”

Chrissie Harrington, associate dean of the school of arts at University Campus Suffolk, said she wanted to see more public works of art in Ipswich.

And she had praise for Beyond the Horizon itself: “I love the rhythms, the directions, the colours.”

Gosnold, from Otley Hall, was the captain of the Godspeed, which took the first settlers to the new world in 1607.

They named their new colony Virginia in honour of Elizabeth I - the “Virgin Queen” - who had died four years earlier.

In 1602 Gosnold had sailed to what is now known as New England.

Although he returned to Jamestown five years later he did not live to see the colony his expedition founded become established - he died at the end of 1607.

Gosnold's role in the foundation of America was overlooked for centuries as popular history concentrated on the exploits of the Pilgrim Fathers.

What do you think of the artwork? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk