A new public-art sculpture of a sea snail has been unveiled in a nature reserve. The Periwinkle Shelter sculpture is located at Earnley Viewpoint at Medmerry Nature Reserve, near Chichester, and is designed to imitate the tiny creature. It has been designed and created by local artists, Two Circles Design, and is made from Sussex willow.
The installation takes inspiration from the unique environment that surrounds it and features a ‘cloud window’ silhouette of a Marsh harrier, a bird of prey. The sculpture features a ‘cloud window’ silhouette of a Marsh harrier, a bird of prey. (Image: Chichester District Council) It also reflects the site’s Bronze and Middle Age history, as periwinkles were found in the remains of an ancient medieval fish basket by archaeologists during the creation of the Medmerry Nature Reserve.
This sculpture is designed to complement two public art pieces that were launched earlier this year. The sculpture is the work of Culture Spark, a creative partnership between Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery. The Culture Spark received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is administered by Chichester District Council.
The periwinkle has panoramic views of the coast (Image: Coastal JJ) Councillor John Cross, cabinet member for culture, sport and place at Chichester District Council, said: “The inspiration for the Periwinkle Shelter derives from archaeological excavati.