THREE long-awaited sculptures are set for a grand unveiling at the Weymouth Gateway site tomorrow.

Two of the sculptures, including 'Torpedosaur' and 'Frame' can be seen on the site now.

The third, named 'Under the Hill', is still under development. 

Designed by artist Andy Kirkby, all three will be officially unveiled at New Look's offices in Mercery Road tomorrow afternoon to 60 guests.

Guests include Paul Atterbury, local resident, writer and BBC Antiques Roadshow expert.

He'll cut the ribbons on each of the three artworks alongside the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Kate Wheller.

Cllr Rachel Rogers, briefholder for culture and tourism, and Cllr Ian Bruce, briefholder for community facilities, will also be in attendance.

The sculptures have been funded by New Look and Sainsbury's and supported by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

New Look staff moved into their office at the Weymouth Gateway site in November 2012, whilst Sainsbury’s opened in October last year.

Mr Kirkby’s brief stated that the commission must make a positive and innovative contribution to the regeneration of the area, to attract both residents and visitors.

It also needed to be relevant to the Weymouth Gateway site and the borough’s historical, cultural and environmental characteristics.
Members of the public contributed local stories towards the artwork designs last year.

Nicky Whittenham, public art consultant and project manager, said she was pleased with Mr Kirkby’s work and hoped for a great day.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m especially looking forward to the community’s response to the sculptures.

“I couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome for celebrating our local heritage.”

The three sculptures include:

1. 'Under the Hill': The artist's design for the bus shelter to be sited outside the Sainsbury's store on Mercery Road, relates to the folklore about music being heard from underneath the ground at Bincombe Bumps.

2. 'Frame': This sculpture's design echoes the 'fashion' nature of New Look's operations and has, etched into its surface, designs - by local illustrator Kate Rewse - celebrates some of the contributed community's stories. It is Andy's way of 'reflecting' back to the community what people told him during the engagement process. The wheels used are resonant of those which can be seen on King George III's bathing machine near the King's statue.

3. 'Torpedosaur': This design reflects the Jurassic Coast heritage of our area, combined with the Whitehead torpedo factory legacy (the body of the 'torpedosaurs' are being constructed from real torpedo casings). The throne reflects King George III's love of the town as a holiday destination.