The Reader returns to Langmoor Gardens in Lyme Regis

Reader is back in Langmoor Gardens in Lyme Regis, sitting once again on one of the public benches, looking out over the beautiful views and waiting for someone to sit beside them. There’s something rather special about seeing a sculpture you created return to the place where it belongs.

Reader was originally created as an exhibit as part of the Lyme Regis Sculpture Trail and quickly became a much-loved part of the town. People would sit alongside the sculpture, chat to it, read their own books, take photographs and simply enjoy its company. Sadly, the original Reader was repeatedly vandalised and had to be removed. But it became clear just how much people cared about the sculpture — and how much they wanted it back.

So I was delighted when the council commissioned me to create a new Reader. This time, I’ve made the sculpture suitable for the public space, a stronger and more robust work, designed to better withstand the elements and hopefully enjoy many more years in its special spot overlooking Lyme Regis. I was joined by the Mayor, Cllr Philip Evans, to officially unveil the new sculpture, and it was a lovely moment to see Reader back where it belongs.

I hope people will once again take the opportunity to sit beside Reader, enjoy the views, have a quiet moment, get lost in their own book, or simply capture a photo and make a memory.