Giant snail sculptures to pop up around Brighton and Hove

Artists, celebrities and sponsors gathered on Brighton Palace Pier on Wednesday (September 12) for a preview of Snailspace, a fundraising public arts trail launching on Saturday.
Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)
Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)

The trail will see 50 giant snail sculptures, each individually designed by artists, dotted around the city alongside a series of 60 junior snails decorated by schoolchildren.

The event follows the popular Snowdogs by the Sea sculpture trail in 2016, and will raise funds for Martlets Hospice in Hove.

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Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)
Norman Cook and Martlets nurses launch Snailspace at Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)

On Wednesday night Martlets ambassador and Brighton’s resident DJ Norman Cook revealed 15 of the giant snails, before all 50 hit the streets of Brighton and Hove this weekend.

The snails include ‘Slimon’ created by Turner-nominated artist David Shrigley, and ‘Soraya’ by artist and former fashion designer Sarah Arnett.

Kayla Fuller gives the snail sculptures a quick wipe at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail on Brighton  Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)Kayla Fuller gives the snail sculptures a quick wipe at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail on Brighton  Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)
Kayla Fuller gives the snail sculptures a quick wipe at the launch of the Snailspace Art Trail on Brighton Palace Pier (Photograph: Simon Dack/Vervate)
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Other giant snails likely to capture the public imagination are two giant ice-cream snails sponsored by Brandwatch called Fabtastic and Scoopalicious.

Another giant gastropod likely to be popular is ‘Sanderson’ created by YouTube sensation and Brighton-based Alfie Deyes.

Best-selling crime author, Peter James, will have a snail called, ‘Nee Nor’, based on his highly acclaimed Roy Grace series and taking the form of a police pursuit vehicle.

For nine weeks the unusual sculptures will be hidden around the city encouraging visitors and residents to explore areas away from the usual tourist haunts and to engage with the event’s key campaign message of #BeMoreSnail.

David Shrigley with his snail sculpture (Photograph: Liz Finlayson/Vervate)David Shrigley with his snail sculpture (Photograph: Liz Finlayson/Vervate)
David Shrigley with his snail sculpture (Photograph: Liz Finlayson/Vervate)
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Snailspace will run from Saturday, September 15 until Sunday, November 18.

To find out more follow @snailspacebh on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, or visit: www.snailspacebrighton.co.uk