Artist defends her gull sculpture

The sculpture will be sited near the lifting bridge in Douglas

Artist Krista Magee has defended her design for a gull sculpture that forms part of the Isle of Man's planned North Quay installation.

The sculpture has the full support of the Douglas Development Partnership and the leader of Douglas Town Council recently praised the design.

The cost of the Manx public piece of artwork is £30,000.

Krista Magee said people should also consider the benefit of art to society as well as its cost.

Recognisable landmark

"I think there's a lot of problems in public art. Every press release mentions that it cost x amount of pounds or that it is a seagull.

"Nobody really asks about the art and how does it benefit society."

Plans for the seagull sculpture with a 4m (13ft) wing span have been submitted.

The gull will mark the start and finish of the island's 100-mile coastal footpath, 'Raad ny Foillan'.

The Douglas Development Partnership manager Chris Pyecroft said he was aware the proposal could be controversial.

The artist's brief for the project was based on the importance of the coastal footpath and that the structure should be a recognisable landmark on the quayside.