Enthusiastic support for sculpture

ENTHUSIASTIC support has been given to proposals for a giant four-ton sculpture on Aldeburgh beach to honour composer Benjamin Britten.

Landowners Suffolk Coastal council are set to give their consent for the shore to be used for the 11ft high steel structure in the shape of scallop shells, it was revealed today.

Arts and leisure officers at the council are fully in favour of the project – a big step forward for the campaign to get the £70,000 sculpture in place.

In a report to go before the cabinet on February 18, they are suggesting that the district council will take over ownership and responsibility for the piece of artwork when it is unveiled.

Although the team behind the sculpture are still seeking funds – and a lottery application may yet be made – it is hoped it will be in place by September.

Nationally famous sculptress Maggi Hambling will make the sculpture to celebrate the works of Britten, generally viewed as the country's greatest modern composer and who lived on the seafront at Aldeburgh for many years.

It will feature three stainless steel scallop shells rising out of the beach, one of which will be treated so that it will "rust" to create sandy tones. It will be 11ft 3in high, 16ft 6in wide, and be buried 12ft in the beach to hold it firm.

It will feature the words "I hear those voices that will not be drowned" from Britten's work Peter Grimes.

Council officers say that in supporting the work, which the public will be able to look at, sit and climb upon, the council will be helping to encourage new and diverse art forms and increasing the amount of public art in the area.

The sculpture would also be used in a variety of events linked to the world famous Aldeburgh festival.

WEBLINK: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk