Away

2016
Material: Timber Groynes
Location: Broomhill Sands, Romney Marsh, East Sussex

  • Away consists of three large sculptures inspired by the hard angular structures used across the world to protect coastal environments from erosion. The sculptures were made by cutting and bolting together the old timber groynes that were removed from the beach to make way for a new stone sea defence. The groynes are arranged tight together in a regular stepped formation, like craggy battlements against the elements. The sculptures also echo the lines described by the original groyne structures progressively stepping up along the beach.

    The sculptures are set into a shingle bank that runs down from the concrete walkway to the car park on the landward side of the sea defence. The surface of the timber formed by the tides has been kept, with all its pits, cracks and sandblasted finish. Only the old bolts and any sharp spikes have been removed. These sculptures are designed to be explored and occupied by visitors, the lower level timbers are cut flat to form steps and seating areas, protected from the prevailing south-westerly wind by the higher parts of the structures.