New public sculpture is planned for St Leonards-on-Sea

One of Leigh Dyer's previous scultures. Norman long boat sculpture on Pebble Beach in Hastings to mark the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

Plans have been unveiled for a new sculpture by local artist Leigh Dyer at St Leonards-on-Sea.

Incorporating work created by children from local schools and colleges, the artwork would be placed on land opposite 101-109 Marina and made from a galvanised steel structure with polished stainless steel concave shapes.

Planning permission is being sought for the work of art and, if granted, it is hoped it will be installed as soon as possible.

Funded by the Foreshore Trust Seafront Art Commission, Sweet and Dandy has been leading the project since 2019 with a pitch to run a set of creative workshops for school children. This would then culminate in them seeing some of their work come to life in the seafront sculpture – sending a ‘do not litter’ message and inspiring them by working with local artists.

The final sculpture will have influences from the schoolchildren’s sculptures within it – created by local favourite Leigh Dyer.

The hope is the project will teach them about plastic waste and the sea, as well as allow them to see how they could have a direct impact on their environment – as well as be ‘professional artists’ for the day.

Tina Morris, director of Sweet and Dandy, said: “This has been the most beautiful example of a community inclusion project and inspiring cultural workshops for local children.