Post by Taxigirl on Nov 9, 2003 10:49:33 GMT
A sculpture to honour one of Aldeburgh's most famous former residents was unveiled on Saturday.
The seashell-like structure, made of solid steel, was designed by Suffolk-based artist Maggi Hambling in honour of the composer Benjamin Britten.
Maggy Wilson, the cabinet member with responsibility for the arts in the county's coastal district, called the piece "magic".
She told BBC Radio Suffolk: "It's absolutely wonderful.
"It looks good from the road, but if you go around to where it faces the sea, it's absolutely magic.
"It looks as if the whole thing has exploded with joy. It's really a celebration of Benjamin Britten, not so much a commemoration."
Critics of the statue have said its presence will mar an untouched stretch of beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
But Ms Hambling said it was important to place the statue on the beach, because the composer visited the spot daily for inspiration.
Composer Britten, who died in 1976, was born in Lowestoft and wrote the operas Peter Grimes and Billy Budd.
He lived in the Aldeburgh area and maintained strong links with its musical community throughout his life.
His studio in Horham, Suffolk, has been listed for preservation by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport.