13th April 2009
Aldeburgh Beach, Suffolk
I went to Aldeburgh over the Easter weekend and saw the 'Scallop' sculpture on the beach conceived by Maggie Hambling and built by local craftsmen Sam and Dennis Pegg. The sculpture was unveiled there on the 8th November 2003 and has caused controversy since. The sculpture was rejected by the people of Aldburgh where 800 people signed a petition for the sculpture to be moved from the beach, when it was first unveiled. It is still there now though which suggests the supporters are equally as passionate about it. Opposers say the sculpture is an eyesore that will attract vandalism and anti social behaviour. However it was hoped that the scallop would be East Anglias answer to the Angel of the North.
The sculpture was commissioned to celebrate the life of composer Benjamin Britton who lived in Aldburgh. He drew inspiration from the area, which is most apparent in his opera Peter Grimes- the "four seas interlude". The Quotation along the top of the scallop cut from the steel reads-
"I hear those vioces that will not be drowned"
(From the Peter Grimes opera) It seems an appropriate and beautiful tribute to the composer in my opinion. I love the colour of the steel and the way it reflects the colour of the sea. The quote along the top is beautiful and thought provoking and the way the shell is disassembled and broken and yet such a strong shape standing out on the beach, is interesting.
