A new permanent piece of public art is set to be created for Lowestoft – thanks to a partnership between East Suffolk Council and celebrated sculptor, Laurence Edwards. Here, Laurence explains what the commission means to him
Temporary summer-long installations of sculptor Laurence Edwards’ work have already drawn thousands of visitors to the town’s South Beach – and now East Suffolk Council has commissioned the local art college graduate to create a lasting landmark. Leader of the Council, Cllr Caroline Topping signed a formal agreement with the Suffolk-born artist, for the creation of the new bronze sculpture, at his Halesworth foundry on Thursday 6 November.
Laurence has deep roots in the district and a distinguished reputation for creating internationally celebrated public pieces – with his work recently featured on Lowestoft’s South Beach as part of Sculpture on the Sand, delivered in partnership with Messums art gallery and opening at the annual First Light Festival.
His work often features life-sized, or larger-than-life human figures, distinguished by dynamic forms and richly textured surfaces that explore the relationship between people and their environment.
The proposed artwork will be a permanent sculpture developed through conversations with the community. Laurence will engage with residents, young people, and local groups to help shape the theme and concept of the piece. He will also take up a ground-floor studio at the town’s rejuvenated Post Office building, set to open next year, where visitors will be able to learn more about his creative process and the making of the sculpture.
The final piece, set to be cast and fabricated at his Halesworth foundry, will be jointly funded by Laurence, his patrons, and East Suffolk Council’s capital programme. Potential locations for the sculpture are being explored, ensuring the chosen site reflects the themes and ideas that will emerge through community engagement in the coming months.
Cllr Topping said: “Following the success of Laurence’s temporary installations on South Beach over the past few years, this marks an important step in our partnership to deliver a permanent landmark sculpture for Lowestoft.
“We’ve seen how public art can enhance a place’s identity and economic vitality, enrich its culture and heritage, and spark conversation. This sculpture will inspire residents and visitors alike, as his previous ones have inspired me, as well as celebrate our district’s creativity and talent.
“I’m delighted to have signed the agreement at Laurence’s studio and be provided a fascinating insight into his creative process. Seeing the scale of work, the machinery involved and the artistic inspiration involved in shaping and creating a major sculpture is truly impressive.”
Laurence’s own efforts to reduce waste and energy consumption, by adopting new casting techniques and sustainable materials, are both fully supported and closely aligned to East Suffolk Council’s commitment to reduction, reuse, and recycling, as well as its priorities in promoting greener technologies.
Laurence said: “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.
“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.”
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Featured image of Cllr Topping and Laurence Edwards signing the agreement for a permanent sculpture in Lowestoft – supplied by East Suffolk Council
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