Southsea seafront sculpture returns 50 years after disappearing

It's been more than 50 years since six stone sculptures lined Southsea seafront.A series of five Portsmouth Markers have been dotted across the coast since 1974 as part of a citywide art project.They were originally a series of six, but Portsmouth City Council says one disappeared from its location in the late 1970s.Now John Maine, the artist who originally designed the series, has carved the sixth addition to be unveiled along the promenade near the Pyramids.
The local authority commissioned Mr Maine to create the sixth 'cousin' as part of its arts programme for the Southsea Coastal Scheme.The sculptures, carved from Portland stones, were some of Mr Maine's first pieces of work.
Mr Maine explained: "The Portsmouth Markers have been sited to emphasise key points along the coast."In the Solent nearby there are island fortresses and navigational markers which create intervals across the vast expanse of the sea and this inspired my approach to sculpture in landscape."The other stones are located at The Point, Hotwalls Studios, Spur Redoubt, Bandstand Field and Castle Field.Mr Maine said the space between the sculptures "becomes part of the story"."I believe that such small-scale interventions can have a powerful influence on our reading of the whole landscape," he continued."It is a pleasure to revisit the project after an extended period of time and make a new mark on the landscape."
The sculpture was funded by Arts Council England.City council leader, Steve Pitt, said: "Over five decades, the Portsmouth Markers have been recognisable fixtures of our seafront."The sculptures are the only remaining artworks from a 1974 citywide sculpture exhibition so it's great to see the full set completed by the current addition as part of today's sea defence project."
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