Giant sea shell to bring art to children

The giant shell will tour Barnsley offering arts and education inspiration for children

A giant inflatable sea shell to encourage art and reading activities among children is to tour Barnsley.

The idea is to capture the attention of youngsters so they can develop a love of learning, and enjoy the arts, the council said.

It is called The Story Shell and is 29 ft (9m) long and 15 ft (4.5m) high and can fit 20 children inside it.

The shell is funded by Arts Council England and will host arts-based activities, storytelling, music, theatre and others events.

The project is part of Barnsley Libraries creative commissions and the National Portfolio Organisation programme, aimed at bringing arts and culture to communities.

The sea shell will be appearing in shopping areas, parks and fields, nd other locations.

Barnsley Council said the unexpected appearance of the sea shell at a "playground, community centre or shopping centre" would create a sense of "curiosity, intrigue and discovery" that would be "irresistible".

Children are promised inspiration and fun inside the shell

The Story Shell has been created by artists Steve Messam and Suzie Davey,

Mr Messam is an environmental artist and has worked internationally and is known for work that aims to get people to think about familiar environments in a new way.

Ms Devey is a printmaker who says she aims to spark creative conversations that can make a difference in people’s lives.

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