The first anniversary of the unveiling of Couple, the UK’s first permanent off-shore sculpture, was celebrated on Sunday with a special event in its home - Newbiggin by the Sea.
To mark the arrival of the sculpture off the Northumberland coast last year, Inspire Northumberland who commissioned it, launched a book documenting Couple’s creation and installation.
The book also includes photographs of Couple during its first year in residence. Couple’s creator, Sean Henry, was on hand at yesterday's book launch at the Newbiggin Sailing Club to sign copies and discuss with residents the impact this major piece of public art has had on their lives.
After the launch, a dance performance commissioned by Northumberland Strategic Arts Forum involving several couples, and aptly titled Pas de Deux, took place at different sites around the village, including the promenade and the bandstand.
Image - Couple stands five metres tall on a seven and a half metre pier above the village's new breakwater. © Jason Thompson
Wendy Scott, speaking on behalf of Inspire Northumberland, said: “We couldn’t let the first anniversary of the Couple’s installation pass without marking it in a special way. The book wonderfully documents an artwork that is globally recognised and forms part of Newbiggin by the Sea’s creative legacy for generations to come.”
The arrival of Couple is thought to have been a catalyst for the local community’s own artistic endeavours with organisations such as the Newbiggin Arts Forum and KEAP Creative thriving in the coastal Northumberland village.
Newbiggin resident and artist, Eva Hartley said: “The installation of Couple has kick started an artistic renaissance in the village as creative things are really starting to happen. It has encouraged other creatively minded people to come out and show the world just what they can do. It’s a wonderful time to be a resident of Newbiggin.”
Sean Henry said of his piece: “With the huge Northumberland skies and the rapid changes in the weather, the work can look almost incidental – decorative even – but then a boat or a seagull passes by and you realise the work is really quite large. They are 300 yards out to sea and I think the scale gives the work a surreal quality. I love the way it disappears in the mist at night.”
Local resident Derek Hobbs said: “We have lived with a view of Couple for a year now and can’t imagine the bay without it!” Derek recommends people aim to catch the sculpture at low tide in the early morning with a backdrop of a sunrise.
As well as the installation of Couple on this coast, much work has been done to reinstate the beach. This had been eroded away. Both these projects plus the creation of the breakwater (to stop future erosion) upon which Couple stands, have drawn visitors back to the area.
For further information about Sean Henry's Couple and Inspire Northumberland, visit www.inspirenorthumberland.co.uk.
