Sculptor to create landmark art for coastal town

Laurence Edwards created the Walking Men sculpture, which has travelled across the UK

A sculptor has been commissioned to create a landmark for a seaside town.

Suffolk-born Laurence Edwards has been asked by East Suffolk Council to work on the new sculpture for Lowestoft.

Mr Edwards has had several exhibitions on the beach, including his Walking Men statues last year, and he is behind the Yoxman – a 26ft (about 8m) bronze statue of a man that stands near the A12 in Yoxford, near Saxmundham.

The artist said he was "very excited" to be working on the permanent sculpture.

"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," he said.

"I am very excited to find myself in a position to 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."

Caroline Topping and Laurence Edwards signed a formal agreement on Thursday

Mr Edwards will be working with residents across all age groups to shape the theme and concept of the work.

While no location for the final piece has been announced, the artist will set up in the town's former Post Office building when it reopens next year as an art hub.

Visitors will be able to learn more about his creative processes and the making of the sculpture.

It will then be cast in his Halesworth foundry, jointly funded by the artist, his patrons and the council.

Caroline Topping, leader of the council, said the work would "inspire residents and visitors alike".