Antony Gormley - Saddell Bay

[ChrisA]

As an outsider, I have to agree with Linda Macca's comments about the beauty of Saddell Bay. It's a wonderful place to just sit and listen to the waves, and for me has an almost spiritual feel.

As I say though, I'm an outsider.

So, what do the locals think of Antony Gormely sticking one of his 'rustic people' down there on the bay?

I live not too far from Crosby Beach, which is full of Gormley's tin blokes, and, to be honest, I don't like them at all. They do though, polarise opinion, as they decorate what is a rather shabby area - and a really nasty beach. That's certainly NOT the case at Saddell though, so, I can't see that I'd personally take to the idea.

Anyway, what's the thoughts on this?

[cathian]

We don't like them either. They spoil the beach and natural seascape. Get rid !

[IainJ]

Hi Chris,

I disagree completely with what you say. As someone who stays in the area I have spoken to many many local residents and visitors who have been up to see the sculpture and these are the first negative comments I have heard. The sculpture is one of only five that Gormley has created this year and as such I feel it will be an attraction for more visitors to Saddell and Kintyre which must be seen as a positive thing.

The sculpture itself is less than 6ft high and is actually quite difficult to spot from the path between the Castle and Saddell House, so it is hardly an eye sore. The fact that it is only in place till May next year means it will not be an eyesore for anyone who doesn’t like it for long.

I trust as you commented about it you have seen it and you think it spoils the landscape of Saddell Bay. Just in case you haven’t I’ve posted up a couple of jpegs I took of it on Sat 16th May.





Iain

[ChrisA]

Hi Chris,

I disagree completely with what you say. As someone who stays in the area I have spoken to many many local residents and visitors who have been up to see the sculpture and these are the first negative comments I have heard.

Iain

For the record Iain, I said nothing about the Saddell sculpture as I has not seen it. My comments were re the Crosby sculptures - of which there is not one, but many!

Looking at this one, it's certainly not offensive and quite serene looking so, I can't really see anyone having an issue with it.

Not got a visit planned (finances down the pan) so wont be able to see it myself.

[ChrisA]

Double post. Sorry.

[lochend]

Living in the Merseyside area I am very familiar with the beach sculptures on Formby beach, they are clever and interesting but don't have the impact pf the single figure on Saddell beach.To be fair I have only seen the photographs but I think it has terrific visual impact

[ChrisA]

Living in the Merseyside area I am very familiar with the beach sculptures on Formby beach,

There aren't any sculptures on Formby beach!

[jdcarra]

Agree with all you say Iain.

Chris with your

That's certainly NOT the case at Saddell though, so, I can't see that I'd personally take to the idea.

its obvious you dislike the idea.

Being the size it is and the location it will have very little visual impact to the already liked view of Saddell Bay.

[Bitter End]

look at the header photo on
https://www.facebook.com/torrisdalecastle
for a perspective view with the statue

[ChrisA]

Agree with all you say Iain.

Chris with your

That's certainly NOT the case at Saddell though, so, I can't see that I'd personally take to the idea.

its obvious you dislike the idea..

??

If the insinuation is that I was contradicting myself, I wasn't. ... I merely said I coulldn't see me taking to the idea.

But having now seen the pics, I think it's rather nice. Gutted I won't be able to visit whilst it's there.

[lochend]

Living in the Merseyside area I am very familiar with the beach sculptures on Formby beach,

There aren't any sculptures on Formby beach!

Apologies,Crosby beach..Senior moment!!

[jdcarra]

If the insinuation is that I was contradicting myself, I wasn't. ... I merely said I coulldn't see me taking to the [i]idea.

Don't take it seriously Chris,a wee bit of banter to get the forum motivated again.

[petewick]

My Mother was reared in Saddell and my Dad's family lived in the area north of and at
Pluck Point. The area is very important to me as I feel a close bond with the place, to honest
what in the hell way does Saddell Bay benefit from a rusting piece of scrap on its shore?

[ChrisA]

If the insinuation is that I was contradicting myself, I wasn't. ... I merely said I coulldn't see me taking to the [i]idea.

Don't take it seriously Chris,a wee bit of banter to get the forum motivated again.

of course!

[ChrisA]

My Mother was reared in Saddell and my Dad's family lived in the area north of and at
Pluck Point. The area is very important to me as I feel a close bond with the place, to honest
what in the hell way does Saddell Bay benefit from a rusting piece of scrap on its shore?

Ooh, that's harsh!

Your post started off all whimsical - and ended up with a plunging knife.