Virtual art

Renowned for its large-scale sculptures, Delamore Art’s annual festival switches to an online event with some of Cornwall’s best-loved artists taking part

Anyone who knows Looe will have seen the work of Cornish sculptor, Suzie Marsh.

Suzie was commissioned to make the life-size sculpture of Nelson the Seal on Pennyland Rocks in Looe Harbour. The sculpture, cast in bronze, was unveiled in 2008 in honour of Nelson, a much-loved ‘resident’ of Looe for more than 20 years until he died in 2003.

“I went to see him last October and he has gone a lovely colour,” said Suzie. “And someone had put a scarf around his neck to keep him warm, which was lovely. He has become something of a focal point in Looe – he is even featured on fridge magnets!”

Suzie only ever sculpts animals, working in clay in her studio in Delabole and then casting the pieces in bronze resin or foundry bronze. She uses her work to help support three animal charities: Animal Asia, the Turgwe Hippo Trust in Zimbabwe, and The Cats Protection League.

Renowned for its large-scale sculptures, Delamore Art’s annual festival switches to an online event with some of Cornwall’s best-loved artists taking part

This year, she has been particularly busy preparing for two major exhibitions – one in support of Animal Asia, and Delamore Arts at Cornwood on Dartmoor in May. The monthlong event – usually held in the house and gardens on the Delamore Estate – has been switched to an online event, as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak. It means that people will still be able to view all the exhibits at the 18th annual exhibition, by visiting the Delamore Arts website, where the online catalogue is available from mid-April.