New artwork for Watchet

A crowd of around 150 turned out on Tuesday 27 December for the unveiling of David Milton’s Seascape in Esplanade Lane, Watchet. Alec Danby the Town Crier called on Chairman of Watchet Conservation Society, Molly Quint, to welcome everyone and open the unveiling ceremony for what she described as a great gift to Watchet.

Professor Eric Robinson, Watchet’s enigmatic geologist, and Alan Woollam of the Harbour Community Bookshop drew back the curtain to reveal “Seascape” to gasps of admiration. Prof ER said that the standing stones are an important geological contribution to Watchet and that something vital has been added to what visitors take away with them. He congratulated David Milton on sourcing the muddy sandstone and other local stones to make this so magical and spectacular. Alan Woollam said “Seascape” not only symbolises Watchet’s connection with the sea but is proof that residents of Watchet pull together for the benefit of the town.

Paul Upton who had project-managed the venture spoke of how the Romans celebrated their artists and honoured them with a crown of laurel. As David Milton sat on a chair bedecked as a throne he was crowned as Watchet’s Sculptor Laureate. After a speech by Paul Upton in Latin and used in Ancient Rome the audience was required to end the crowning ceremony by saying together “Vivat Laureate” – and they were most happy to honour the Sculptor Laureate as such. David Milton then responded by saying that Watchet always pulls the stops out. He finished with his own tribute to Nick Cotton who started him on his artistic journey many years ago when they met on Watchet beach.

Jan Simpson-Scott, Secretary of WCS, said it was a day to be proud to be a Watchet resident and a part of a Conservation Society which could help to achieve such a wonder.”