Proposals have been unveiled this week for 50 concrete lions to go on display along Burnham’s seafront this October to mark Somerset Art Weeks.
The concrete structures will be symbolically guarding Burnham’s coastline as part of a unique art project.
Artist Rebecca Moss, pictured below, has modelled her army of 50 Chinese-style ‘Foo dog’ lions from a pair of 18th century statues that sit by the quayside in Bridgwater.
She took inspiration from William Ackerman’s Castle House in the town, which is believed to be the earliest surviving example of modern reinforced concrete construction in Britain.
The project, called ‘Guardians’, has been commissioned by Somerset Art Weeks for this year’s festival which runs from 3rd-18th October.
The lions will be placed along the South Esplanade in Burnham, town councillors were told at a meeting this week.
“By mounting the lions near the sea wall, I want people to consider the contrast between the functional and ornamental uses of concrete,” says Rebecca.
“I want to interpret the fascinating local industrial heritage to explore the significant change that happened when ornamental features were mass-produced by pouring concrete into moulds.”
“Before this change occurred, decorative architecture would have been hand sculpted in stone over a long period of time,” she added.
Rebecca making a presentation to councillors on Monday night in Burnham
