New sculptures of Sidmouth holiday makers now on display

A photograph of a new piece of art entitled Holiday Makers of Sidmouth is now on display at outdoor public gallery Sidmouth Wallspace in the Ham East car park.

Created by artist-sculptor Wilfrid Wood, the artwork is described as "mischievous and funny" and features a series of plasticine heads and figures including a chip-stealing seagull and people enjoying the beach.

The actual sculptures in the image are also on show inside a recently refurbished telephone box 'micro museum' in Market Square.

Wilfrid Wood with his Holiday Makers of Sidmouth piece in Market Square phone box (Sidmouth School of Art)

Wilfrid said: "Initially I didn't know what on earth to do since I've never been to Sidmouth.

"After battling with an idea involving the local donkey sanctuary I hit on these sculptures of classic English holiday-makers. 

"I hope they raise a local satirical smirk."

Based in London, Wilfrid Wood is well known for his satirical sculptures in papier-mache, polymer clay or plasticine which are commissioned and exhibited around the world. Wilfrid trained in graphics before working building latex heads for the satirical TV show Spitting Image in the 1980s.

He is also joining Sidmouth School of Art in Sidmouth as part of their collaboration with South West Arts Summer School to lead plasticine head sculpture workshops including one for 11-16 year olds. 

Sidmouth Wallspace is a collaborative project between Sidmouth School of Art, Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub and David Shrigley. It is funded by Arts Council England with support from Sidmouth Town Council.