Scallop, Steel sculpture on Aldeburgh Beach, United Kingdom.
Scallop is a steel sculpture on Aldeburgh Beach that rises four meters high, featuring two interlocked shell forms set against the North Sea horizon. The structure is crafted from thick stainless steel and designed so that visitors can sit within its central section to observe the surrounding seascape.
The sculpture was installed in 2003 as a memorial to Benjamin Britten, a British composer who regularly walked this Suffolk coastline. It honors his deep connection to the landscape and sea that profoundly shaped his musical work.
Words from Britten's opera Peter Grimes, 'I hear those voices that will not be drowned,' are inscribed on the upper edge of the steel shells. This text connects the composer's most famous work to the coastal setting where he found inspiration throughout his life.
Visitors can freely enter the sculpture and sit in its central area to observe the sea and enjoy the view. The memorial stands directly on the beach and is easily accessible on foot, making it available to visit at any time of day.
The structure was entirely fabricated by local craftsmen Sam and Dennis Pegg from stainless steel and is engineered to withstand powerful coastal winds. This practical durability is achieved through careful craftsmanship visible in every detail of the shells.
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