Visitors to Hove seafront will have an added attraction from this weekend when Hove Civic Society’s first sculpture ‘Constellation’ is formally unveiled on Hove Plinth.
The sculpture, on Hove promenade, is a celebration of Hove past and present and was created by Jonathan Wright. It is based on an ‘orrery,’ a mechanical model of the solar system in which the ‘planets’ have been replaced with features of Hove.
Objects on Hove’s very own ‘constellation’ include a cine camera, elm tree, beach hut, Sussex cricketer and West Blatchington windmill (crafted from a model made by a resident who looks after the mill).
It is the first of a series of installations for the Plinth which will showcase modern sculpture. The project was inspired by the Fourth Plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Brighton & Hove City Council provided Hove Civic Society with a licence to use the land and access to the street lighting power supply so the sculptures can be lit.
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the city’s tourism, development and culture committee, said: “The Plinth is a fantastic celebration of Hove and will be a wonderful showcase for modern sculpture for everyone to enjoy. It’s also a great example of the community coming together to create something fun and enjoyable which will appeal to residents and visitors.”
The project also won £4,000 from the council’s community fund to develop the interactive aspects of the sculptures and the public took part in workshops in Brighton & Hove museums to help decide what objects would best represent Hove on the sculpture.
Project Director Karin Janzon said: “We’re over the moon and very proud to have got this far. Some people thought we were mad to attempt it, but this shows that a little madness can go a long way.”
Hove Civic Society raised more than £100,000 for the project from local residents, businesses and major grant-giving organisations. A booklet is being produced to thank those involved.
Hove Plinth will be formally unveiled by the mayor of Brighton & Hove, councillor Mo Marsh, tomorrow (Saturday, 21 April). ‘Constellation’ will be in place for around 18 months.