A celebrated sculptor with deep local roots has been commissioned to create a permanent landmark artwork for the seaside town of Lowestoft. Suffolk-born artist Laurence Edwards has been selected by the East Suffolk Council to design and construct a new sculpture that will serve as a lasting tribute to the coastal community.
Edwards brings an impressive portfolio of large-scale sculptural works to the project. He is best known for creating the iconic Walking Men sculpture, which has traveled extensively across the United Kingdom, captivating audiences wherever it appears. The artist also designed and built the Yoxman, a towering 26-foot bronze statue of a man that stands prominently near the A12 highway in Yoxford, close to Saxmundham. Additionally, Edwards has organized several temporary exhibitions on Lowestoft's beach, including a notable display of his Walking Men statues last year.
The artist expressed tremendous enthusiasm about the opportunity to create something permanent for the community that has supported his artistic journey. "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," Edwards explained. 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 collaborate with residents across all age groups to help shape both the theme and concept of the final artwork. This collaborative approach ensures that the sculpture will truly represent the spirit and character of Lowestoft and its people. While the exact location for the finished piece has not yet been announced, the creative process will be highly visible to the public.
Edwards will establish his working space in the town's former Post Office building, which is scheduled to reopen next year as a dedicated art hub. This arrangement will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to observe and learn about his creative processes and witness the making of the sculpture firsthand. The educational component of the project adds significant cultural value to the community.
Once the design and initial creation phases are complete, the sculpture will be cast at Edwards' foundry in Halesworth. The ambitious project will be jointly funded through contributions from the artist himself, his private patrons, and the East Suffolk Council, demonstrating a true partnership between public and private sectors.
Caroline Topping, who serves as the leader of the council, expressed confidence that the completed work will have a lasting positive impact on the community. She stated that the sculpture would "inspire residents and visitors alike," highlighting the council's belief in the power of public art to enhance civic pride and attract tourism to the coastal town. The formal agreement between Edwards and the council was signed on Thursday, officially launching this significant cultural initiative.
