Dolphins, torpedoes and fossils brought to reality as part of Weymouth art project (From Thisisdorset)

Dolphins, torpedoes and fossils brought to reality as part of Weymouth art project

11:00am Friday 1st March 2013 in Latest By Rachel Stretton

DESIGNS: Public artwork plans on show at The Spa pub, Weymouth, and left Andy Kirby with the audience

DOLPHINS, torpedoes and fossils are some of the ideas to be brought to life as part of a public art project in Weymouth.

Ideas and stories based on input from members of the public were incorporated into prototype sketches and put on display for the first time at an open event at the Famous Old Spa pub.

Artist Andy Kirkby, who lives in Moreton, said he was pleased at the ‘varied ideas’ which had been put forward.

He said: “We had all the stuff you expect to see, like all the local history but also some really off the wall stories that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook.

“Everything that people suggested was very interesting, very quirky, but so much was submitted that I wouldn’t be able to use all of it.

“I’ve tried to be influenced by the visual stuff.”

In a presentation, he told members of the public who attended the exhibition that he wanted the art to be something people would have to think about and interpret.

He added: “I want it to be something that captures people’s attention, but also gets them thinking, and adding to a shared mythology in their head.”

Three or four pieces are planned, with an approximate size of seven feet by four feet, at the Mercery Road development site.

The sketches each aim to unite several stories or features of Weymouth in their design – for example the torpedo dolphin which ties together the area’s marine wildlife, the Jurassic heritage, the Whitehead torpedo factory at Ferry Bridge and the town’s link to King George III.

Mr Kirkby said: “There was also a great story that came in about someone who once sighted a dolphin off the bay, which would chase the torpedo. That, for me, was a really strong visual image to work with.”

Mr Kirkby will continue to work on the designs until around April, and the artwork is due to be installed next year. The drawings will be put on display in Weymouth Central Library from Monday , alongside some of the work produced by pupils of Radipole and Wey Valley schools during a workshop.

Mr Kirkby is looking to commission a local illustrator who is familiar with the style of Fornasetti.

Anyone interested can contact sculptureak@gmail.com for more information.

Keep up to date with developments in the project at www.andykirkby.com.