A spectacular piece of sand art featuring a life-size Vulcan bomber aircraft has been created on a Cornwall beach to commemorate Remembrance Day. The massive artwork was crafted by artists Harry Maddox and Steve Rolfe over the course of five hours on Saturday at Tregirls Beach near Padstow.
The impressive sand drawing depicts the iconic Vulcan aircraft, which played a crucial role during the Falklands War in 1982, conducting a series of long-range bombing raids. The entire artwork measured an enormous 147 feet by 127 feet (45 meters by 39 meters), making it a truly monumental tribute visible from a considerable distance.
Maddox, reflecting on the inspiration behind the piece, explained his connection to the subject matter. "It was big... the Falkland conflict was in my mind when I came up with this one," he said, highlighting how the historical significance of the aircraft influenced his artistic vision for this year's Remembrance Day tribute.
This latest creation continues Maddox's tradition of creating sand art to mark Remembrance Day annually. Last year, he honored the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry with his beach artwork, demonstrating his commitment to paying tribute to different military units and historical events. In 2023, he created an equally impressive design featuring three life-size World War Two aircraft, showcasing his ability to commemorate various periods of military history.
The five-hour creation process on Saturday required careful planning and execution to achieve the precise proportions and details of the Vulcan bomber. The artists worked meticulously to ensure the life-size scale was accurate, creating a powerful visual reminder of the aircraft's role in British military history and its significance during the Falklands conflict.
