The proposed construction of a bronze commemorative statute celebrating the work of the RNLI failed to find favour with St Ives town councillors.
Showing the spot where the statue would be located on Porthmeor Beach
The proposal to build the statue, which will be decided by Cornwall Council, is for rocks on Porthmeor Beach, to the north of Porthmeor Beach car park. The application has been submitted by the RNLI.
Let Not The Deep Swallow Me Up depicts a female RNLI lifeguard standing watch over the sea. The sculpture has been commissioned by the RNLI to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their Lifeguard Service this year, and to celebrate the courage, dedication, and public service of lifeguards.
It is inspired by the actions of Cornwall RNLI lifeguard Sophie Grant-Crookston, who, in 2006, carried out a courageous swim rescue off Perranporth to save a surfer’s life, and became the first female lifeguard to receive a Medal of Gallantry in recognition of her bravery.
The sculpture has been designed by Cornwall-based artist Holly Bendall and will comprise a life-sized bronze figure positioned on an existing rock outcrop above the mean high-water line.
The sculpture prior to being cast in bronze
However, members of the town council’s planning committee — while acknowledging that it was good to celebrate the work of the lifeguards — were concerned about a lack of consultation, and also a lack of local connection.
Johhnie Wells said: “I think it’ great. I just feel it doesn’t have a connection to St Ives.”
Andrew Mitchell said the wider population of St Ives had not been approached about the project, which seemed to create a disconnect. “I’m more than happy with public art and to support the RNLI, but for me this is the wrong thing in the wrong place.”
Josette Fuller was concerned about drilling into the rocks with resin, which would stabilise the statue. And, in the end, a majority of town councillors voted not to support the project, despite many being very complimentary of the work itself.
