Sean Henry, the sculptor behind the striking artwork has recently finished painting the bronze figures and says after three years of working on the piece, it is ready for its new home off Newbiggin Bay.

Couple, which has been commissioned by Inspire – South East Northumberland's Public Art and Design Initiative – is set to transform the seaside village's horizon this week.

Mr Henry told the News Post Leader he was excited at the prospect of watching the artwork be put in place.

He said: "The sculpture will be a huge focal point and I can't wait to get up there and see what people make of it.

"I have my own reasons for designing it but hopefully the piece will exist beyond me."

The artist said he had been impressed by the level of enthusiasm for the artwork from people living in the area.

"The feedback has been very good, I've been really impressed," he said.

"It's a fantastic development and the impact on the town is clear.

"I'm pleased about the reaction and the interest in the work.

"I really hope people come to see it.

"I would like it to still be standing in 20 years time."

The artwork has been painted in a boat yard in Liverpool, using special paint normally reserved for oil tankers.

The two figures will stand on a plinth founded within the breakwater, 350 metres out into Newbiggin Bay.

Sean, who lives in London, says Couple will form a striking part of the area's coastline, and will change depending on the time of the day.

"It will look different at different times of the day.

"It's facing east so it will be silhouetted against the sun when it rises, which will be a very evocative moment.

"And if there's was a mist it will disappear and it will disappear as night falls.

"I was aware it's an unusual and unique location for a sculpture.

"It struck me as a totally hostile marine environment, with the full force of the North Sea going against it.

"But the whole reason it's there is because of the impact of coastal erosion on Newbiggin's bay."

The structure is set to be in place by the end of this week but its installation is dependent on the weather and tides, with Saturday a hopeful completion date.



Mabel believes sculpture will bring sense of pride

MABEL ALLEN has lived in Newbiggin for more than 30 years and believes the striking new sculpture will bring a renewed sense of pride to the once popular seaside village.

The grandmother-of-four has seen the area experience many different times, but says the arrival of the artwork and rejuvenation of the bay should be seen as a "gift" to those living there.

Mabel, 59, has taken her grandchildren to the promenade to watch the dramatic redevelopment of Newbiggin Bay and says the project is the ideal way to educate the younger generations of Newbiggin about its heritage.

She said: "I think the artwork and new beach will bring a real sense of community back into the heart of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, along with attracting tourists that will hopefully benefit local businesses.

"Couple perfectly symbolises life as many people visit the promenade and similarly look out to sea, much like the bronze figures, gathering their thoughts and reflecting upon their own lives.

"The attraction of Couple will also encourage more people to come down to the beach and enjoy a stroll on the sand or as a day out for the family, either way it will bring people closer together and provide a wonderful focal point for Newbiggin."