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A newly-unveiled sculpture of famed French writer Victor Hugo has been described by its creator Mark Cook as one of the most complex and satisfying art projects he has ever worked on.
'L'espace créatif' celebrates the 15 years Victor Hugo spent in Guernsey while exiled from France.
The sculpture was inspired by Toilers of the Sea, a novel written by Victor Hugo that was based in the island and its waters.
"This is one of the most complex statues I’ve created," Mr Cook reflected. "It is made of multiple parts, so it’s been a complicated task to get them all to come together as smoothly as they have.
"Hopefully sitting next to Victor Hugo will inspire locals and tourists to read or re-read Toilers of the sea as it’s a great story and is Victor’s homage 'to that portion of old Norman ground inhabited by the noble nation of the sea.'"
Pictured: Mark Cook is the artist behind the Liberation family sculpture by the Tourist Information centre and the Donkey statue in Market Square.
Donations to the project were made by The John Ramplin Trust, The Creasey Family, Art Foundation Guernsey, Investec and many island residents.
The fundraising efforts were led by Trevor Wakefield, the Director of Guernsey Arts Commission, which worked in association with Mr Cook on the project.
“It’s been a 5-year project from concept to installation, and only been possible through the generosity of the artist donating his talent and time for free in creating the piece," said Mr Wakefield.
"We have received generous donations from sponsors in enabling the piece to be produced and installed, as well as the support from both the planning department and St Peter Port constables in the placement and position of the piece.”
Pictured top: The sculpture is inspired by Victor Hugo's Toilers of the Sea. Inset, artist Mark Cook.
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