Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Arts and Regeneration Project

Project partners and funders:
Arts Council England, Arun District Council, Bognor Regis Town Council, Littlehampton Town Council, West Sussex County Council.
Arts consultancy and fundraising: Frances Lord

Lead artist Gordon Young was appointed in 2004 to consider proposals for a series of public art works to maximise the potential for arts and regeneration within the seaside towns of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. The aims of the project were enhance the environmental qualities and assets of these two resorts, adding an artistic dimension. The artworks were intended to have a significant impact on the built environment and help create a sense of identity and community within the two towns.

Gordon Young identified the ‘Oyster Pond’ in Littlehampton as a prime location in the town. Rich in local history and considered one of the town’s most spectacular man-made features, this site provided the inspiration for a new recipe book, combining the rich oyster trade that once operated in Littlehampton with the tastiest local fish recipes of today. Gordon worked with Littlehampton Community School researching recipes and local fishing stories for ‘The Oyster Pond Littlehampton Fish Recipe Book’.

Oyster sculpture (one of a series)
by Brian Fell and Gordon Young, Littlehampton, 2007
Photo: Steve Speller, Spellermilner Design