THE first of three sculptures celebrating Southend’s industrial history in a “brilliant” public art project is taking pride of place in a street in Thorpe Bay.
Southend’s Focal Point Gallery has unveiled a “Made from this Land” sculpture on the pavement at the junction of Burges Road and Thorpe Hall Avenue in Thorpe Bay.
The brick and shingle column, together with the other sculptures planned for Thorpe Esplanade and Southchurch Park, will map out a walking tour of the historical brick fields of Southchurch.
The sculptures, by Emma Edmondson, were commissioned by Focal Point Gallery and Southend Council and conceived in response to Southchurch and Thorpe Bay’s rich brickfield history.
Ms Edmondson said: “I’m very excited to be starting work on the project with specialist bricklayer Pete Franklin to bring these sculptures celebrating Southend’s rich brickmaking history to life - our city was made from this land and these artworks will tell the story.”
Matt Dent, Labour Southend councillor responsible for culture, tourism and business, welcomed the first sculpture.
He said: “I’m delighted to see the Made From This Land sculptures going up at long last. This is a brilliant public art project with ties to local history – exactly the sort of thing we want to see coming to Southend. Emma Edmondson has done a fantastic job putting this together, and I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally coming to fruition and will be there for the public to enjoy soon.
Ron Woodley, Independent councillor for Thorpe Ward, has been a critic of the unusual art work.
He said: “The concept is OK. The actual piece of artwork, I wouldn’t necessarily say it was artwork. It’s a small brick column. It’s something the council at that time wanted to install but with all the aggravation it has caused, I don’t think it’s been a worthwhile project. The one going in Southchurch Park East, there are covenants on the park, although the park might be OK for it to go there because it’s not taking up much open space.”
The three sculptures, in the form of brick columns and a short brick wall, are accompanied by information panels located at the boundaries of the brickfields of Southchurch and Thorpe Bay to create a walking trail.
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