Suffolk sculptor's eastern dream

A WOODBRIDGE artist has put forward a design for a sculpture to mark the most easterly point of the UK and help turn it into a major tourist attraction.

Robert Simon is hoping his design will be chosen for Ness Point at Lowestoft, where residents believe there should be a monument or other feature where people can be photographed to show they have reached the country's eastern-most outpost.

Mr Simon, 82, of the Seckford Almshouses, said he felt the area deserved to have a proper monument and had been excited by the idea.

“When I heard there was no structure at Ness Point I immediately got to work to come up with an idea and hopefully spark interest in the project,” he said.

He hopes his design of striking steel shapes for Ness Point will appeal to people of all ages but knows he will have competition if the idea is taken up and the finance found for the project.

“As it is to be placed at the UK's most easterly point it is important that the structure reflects the sun's rays as it rises,” said Mr Simon.

“The short pieces in my work will capture the sun's rays first and as the sun rises so the rest of the structure will be bathed in sunlight.”

The work, which would be about 9ft high and made of stainless steel, is designed so people can be photographed in front of it, behind it or even through it.

The sculptor and painter had his own studio and workshop at Stratford St Andrew, near Saxmundham, for many years where he designed and made his impressive structures which are still prominent features in gardens and parks across East Anglia and further afield.

These days Mr Simon restricts himself to coming up with designs and making miniature models before entrusting other craftsmen to make the full-size works of art.

Have you visited Ness Point - what do think would help improve the area and mark its significance? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk