‘Scallop’ on Aldeburgh Beach
Adjacent to Thorpe Road Car Park, Aldeburgh, IP15 5BH
MapA memorial to the composer, Sir Benjamin Britten, ‘Scallop’ is a massive must-see sculpture in steel of interlocking shells by the local contemporary artist, Maggi Hambling. The Aldeburgh Scallop sculpture sits on the shingle beach just a short walk north of Aldeburgh Moot Hall. It bears haunting words penned by 18th century poet, George Crabbe, later reimagined by Britten in his opera ‘Peter Grimes’.
“I hear those voices that will not be drowned”
The words are from a poem by 18th century poet, George Crabbe, who was born close to the Moot Hall.
Maggi Hambling – a world-famous East Suffolk-based artist renowned for her North Sea wave-inspired canvases – created this 4 metre sculpture as a ‘conversation with the sea’, a tribute to Sir Benjamin Britten’s who himself found inspiration and fascination with the power of the sea and its impact on lives and landscapes.
The artwork was designed for people to engage with it as they engage with the beach and sea during their visit to Aldeburgh – so climb away! Sit on it for selfies or to watch the sunrise, but please remain respectful of both the artwork and other visitors – it is there for all to enjoy and wonder about.
It is located on the beach, adjacent to the Thorpe Road long stay car park, just to the north of Aldeburgh Moot Hall Museum.
The stainless steel sculpture was crafted and constructed in the workshop of Pegg & Sons in Aldeburgh, under the direction of the artist, Maggi Hambling.
‘Scallop’ by Maggi Hambling brings home haunting poetic words about the sea and real lives to stir up conversations in others.
From the earliest days of its installation on the beach, it has done exactly that. Loved, hated, questioned, discussed and for the most part accepted now, it has become synonymous with the innovation and creativity of Aldeburgh and an icon for this exceptional place to live, visit and stay.
What will you have to say about it?
