Update: The final stages of the intricate artwork began this May and it is anticipated that installation of the Sound Mirror will take place in August 2025. Read an update to Full Council in June here: (page 47)
In 2021 the Council was bequeathed money from a resident of Deal, Bill Elliott, for the purpose of purchasing a piece of sculpture to be erected in the town of Deal for the beautification of the town and/or the general benefit of its inhabitants.
The council set up a task and finish group of councillors and staff to start the initial exploration of this initiative. In January 2023 we launched ‘
Seaside town seeks sculptor’ and received exciting design ideas to be considered.
The council decided to proceed with the Sound Mirror application as the sculpture for Deal and we are pleased to say that the project is progressing well and, indeed, we anticipate the installation of the sculpture in the autumn.
Artist Michael Bennett has been commissioned and permission has been granted from Dover District Council for the artwork to be situated on Deal seafront, just to the left of the Royal Hotel (as you look out to sea).
The artist has created a website (
https://dealsculpture.com/) to share the progress of the sculpture so we can follow the journey until it is unveiled in the summer of 2025.