Couple, the UK's first permanent offshore sculpture by artist Sean Henry, celebrated its one year anniversary last weekend and celebrated with the launch of a 33-page full colour limited edition book.
The five-metre high bronze figures are fondly recognised as Newbiggin by the Sea's most famous residents, the pair look out to sea 350 metres off the coast of Newbiggin Bay in Northumberland, North East England.
The sculpture is sited on top of a 200 metre long breakwater that was created as part of a £10m coastal protection scheme that saw Newbiggin Bay have its beach replenished after years of erosion.
To mark the occasion Inspire Northumberland, who commissioned the landmark sculpture, has published a book documenting the Couple creation, installation and various situations throughout their first year in residence.
The book features a selection of stunning photography taken by local professional and amateur local photographers, and compliment a series of interviews gathered with influential people that turned a creative pipedream into a successful reality.
Wendy Scott of Inspire Northumberland said: "We couldn't let the first anniversary of
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.
"Sean Henry's
Couple has set a benchmark for other figurative pieces of public art in North East England and represents Northumberland's passion, drive and commitment to establishing the region as place of creative excellence for others to aspire towards."
Sean Henry was in the region last week to sign copies of the new book.
The
Couple publication is priced at £12 and money made from sales will be put into a fund to help finance a cultural project for the young people of Newbiggin – enabling the money to be put straight back into the community.
For further information about Sean Henry's
Couple and Inspire Northumberland visit
www.inspirenorthumberland.co.uk
