Suffolk-born sculptor Laurence Edwards has been officially commissioned by East Suffolk Council to create a permanent landmark sculpture for the coastal town of Lowestoft. The artist, who has gained recognition for his large-scale public artworks throughout the UK, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to contribute a lasting piece to the community that helped shape his artistic journey.
Edwards has already established a strong connection with Lowestoft through several temporary beach exhibitions over the past few years. His most notable recent work in the area includes the Walking Men sculptures, which were displayed on the beach last year and have since traveled to various locations across the UK. The artist is also known for creating the Yoxman, an impressive 26-foot-tall bronze statue of a man that stands as a landmark near the A12 highway in Yoxford, close to Saxmundham.
Reflecting on the commission, Edwards shared his deep personal connection to the project. "This unique and innovative opportunity has evolved over the last five years; placing works on the beach, amidst a community that set me on my path many years ago, has for me been rewarding and meaningful," he said. He continued, "I am very excited to find myself in a position to be able to create something permanent in and of the town and to be working with a community that has showed nothing but openness, kindness and even love over the last four years."
The project will involve extensive community engagement, with Edwards planning to work with residents across all age groups to help shape the theme and concept of the final sculpture. A formal agreement was signed on Thursday between the artist and Caroline Topping, leader of East Suffolk Council, marking the official beginning of the collaboration.
While the final location for the sculpture has not yet been announced, Edwards will establish his working space in the town's former Post Office building when it reopens next year as an art hub. This arrangement will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about the artist's creative processes and witness the making of the sculpture firsthand.
Once the design and creation phase is complete, the sculpture will be cast at Edwards' foundry in Halesworth. The project will be jointly funded through contributions from the artist himself, his patrons, and East Suffolk Council, demonstrating a collaborative approach to public art funding.
Caroline Topping, the council leader, expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential impact on the community. She stated that the work would "inspire residents and visitors alike," emphasizing the sculpture's role in enhancing the cultural landscape of Lowestoft and creating a lasting symbol for the seaside town.
