MONTAGUE GARDENS

worthing (UK)

PUBLIC SCULPTURE

Commissioned by Worthing Borough Council, Molly created a public sculpture to coincide with the opening of Montague Gardens, a new community space connecting Worthing town to its seafront. Featuring just the word ‘Worthing’, Molly was tasked with creating a new focal point for the town centre that would be both a photo opportunity and a reminder of the town’s creative spirit.

Molly’s proposal was for the sculpture to embody Worthing’s coastal character referencing the Sussex kelp beds, Worthing’s seaside gardens and the energy of the promenade. She delivered three community engagement sessions at hello DODO, Worthing College and The Toad in the Hole in which participants responded to Worthing’s unique shapes, forms and locales with paper-cut collage, sharing their stories through making.

At the heart of the sculpture is an invitation for public interaction. The bright and energising shapes and colours inspire a sense of play and the letters are designed for people to sit in and lean on with soft, rounded edges and anti-slip textures. The letter ‘O’ forms a seat in which to linger and the other letters open up possibilities for physical interaction and playful photos.

Once installed the sign was hand-painted by Molly and her team. The sculpture is a celebration of Worthing’s community and offers people a space to pause, smile and feel connected.