Art
Mother criticises Bournemouth council over artwork at spot where son died
The mother of a teenager who died after being swept out to sea off Bournemouth has criticised the local council for setting up an art installation that frames the tragedy.
Vanessa Abbess, the mother of Joe Abbess, 17, said the installation on Bournemouth beach called Portal, which was to be a focal point for the town’s Arts by the Sea festival, was disrespectful to her son and 12-year-old Sunnah Khan, who also died.
She said: “As a family, we were shocked and astounded to see reports of the disrespectful installation. It frames the area of sea where our son, Joe, and Sunnah Khan got into difficulties. In addition, it is sited on the area of beach where emergency services cared for all casualties and the tragic circumstances unfolded.”
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council has apologised and said the piece would be taken down.
Graham Farrant, the chief executive of the council, said: “We are deeply sorry for such a crass mistake which clearly should never have happened. We have extended an unreserved apology to the families for causing further upset at what is undoubtedly already a distressing time.
“Work is under way to close down the installation and we will review our internal processes to understand how this happened and what changes need to be made to avoid this from happening again.”
Portal, made by the multidisciplinary design studio Lucid Creates, was being displayed for the first time. The festival described the 15-metre tall structure as “a monument and a beacon of light and hope” that had been “created to evoke awe and wonder”.
Joe, from Southampton, and Sunnah, from Buckinghamshire, died after being pulled from the sea on 31 May. At the opening of their inquests in June, the court heard there was a suggestion that a rip current had led to the pair drowning.
Local people also criticised the installation. Nicola Gale said: “It’s lit up like a fairground attraction. How many levels of inappropriateness does anyone need to understand how upsetting this is for the families?”
Katie Johnson said: “So disrespectful that two children lost their lives in the exact place that this has been installed. Maybe they should have spent the money on better water safety signs and more lifeguards.”
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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