Public sculpture · Boscombe

Vessel

One of seven pieces on the Boscombe Arts Trail, near Cecil Road, its vessel-like form has been put to literal use as a plant pot stand.

Just before Sea Road meets Boscombe's pedestrian precinct, at the junction with Cecil Road, stands one of the quieter pieces on the Boscombe Arts Trail: Vessel. Its container-like form has taken on a life of its own locally, passers-by have spotted it pressed into service as a stand for a potted plant, residents taking its name rather literally.

The Boscombe Arts Trail

Vessel is one of seven sculptures commissioned in 2010 from Dorset sculptor Andy Kirkby, chosen by a panel of arts professionals, local residents and ward councillors as part of Boscombe's seafront regeneration. The pieces share a marine theme and common materials, bronze, copper and cast iron, linked by a recurring gilded rope motif guiding walkers from one work to the next. It sits near the top of the trail, just after Verne on the walk up from the seafront, with Tableau and Optic further back down towards the pier.

Visiting

Vessel sits in the open air on Sea Road, so it can be seen at any time, free of charge, as part of a walk along the Boscombe Arts Trail. Explore more of the area's outdoor art and seafront walks in our guide to things to do in Bournemouth.

Highlights

  • One of seven sculptures on the Boscombe Arts Trail, created by sculptor Andy Kirkby in 2010
  • Stands at the junction with Cecil Road on Sea Road, just before the pedestrian precinct
  • Its vessel-shaped form has been put to literal local use, spotted serving as a stand for a potted plant
  • Free to view all year round
Common questions

Vessel good to know

What is Vessel in Boscombe?

Vessel is a public sculpture on the Boscombe Arts Trail, standing at the junction with Cecil Road on Sea Road, just before the pedestrian precinct. Its container-like form has been put to a literal use locally, having been spotted serving as a stand for a potted plant.

Who created Vessel?

It was made by Andy Kirkby, the Dorset sculptor commissioned to create all seven pieces on the Boscombe Arts Trail, installed in 2010 as part of the area's seafront regeneration.

Is Vessel part of a bigger art trail?

Yes. It's one of seven sculptures making up the Boscombe Arts Trail, a free walk running from Boscombe's shopping precinct, down Sea Road, to the pier, alongside surviving pieces including Verne, Tableau and Optic. An eighth piece on the same stretch, Wings, has since been removed.

Is there a charge to see it?

No, it's an outdoor public sculpture on the pavement, so it's free to view at any time as you walk the trail.

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