Venus and Cupid

Venus and Cupid is a mosaic sculpture on the Morecambe seafront showing a seated figure holding a child with an extended body, covered entirely in colored mosaic tiles. The work faces the bay and features a flowing design created from thousands of individual pieces.

Created by artist Shane Johnstone in 2005, the sculpture was commissioned to honor 24 cockle pickers who died in Morecambe Bay the previous year. The memorial marks a significant local tragedy through permanent artistic expression.

The figures depict a mother and child, embodying timeless bonds expressed through contemporary artistic methods. Visitors can observe how the detailed mosaic work brings together classical themes with modern craftsmanship.

The sculpture sits along the seafront promenade and is easily reached on foot from central Morecambe or by parking on nearby Marine Road East. The artwork is freely accessible year-round and can be viewed directly from the walkway.

Following frost damage in 2018, the artist repaired the mosaic using the Japanese kintsugi technique with gold leaf to highlight the restoration work. This repair method adds a symbolic layer to the piece, treating broken parts as beautiful and valuable.

Inception: 2005

GPS coordinates: 54.08433,-2.83299

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:21