There’s a big beast on the beach!
IF I told you a 115-foot ‘monster’ will be displayed in a seaside town across the Bristol Channel and easily accessible by road and rail from our neck of the woods, you’d say I’m tugging your lower extremities – i.e. pulling your leg.
But Weston-super-mare will soon be the temporary home of The See Monster, an enormous de-commissioned oil rig that spent 30 years being battered by the waves and the elements.
“What’s so interesting about a rusting, salt-encrusted hulk?” I hear you ask.
And I shall respond with a witty retort worthy of Oscar Wilde . . . “Read on!”
In 2021, the rig was taken from its North Sea site to a Netherlands shipyard and stripped, cleaned and recommissioned.
In early July, it was placed on a flatbed barge – imagine the logistics involved! – and brought across the North Sea, through the English Channel and up the Bristol Channel to WSM, where it was, in another tremendous logistical feat, moved onto the beach.
I bet that day it was far from all quiet on the Weston front.
Shall I get me coat?
Then, work immediately commenced to turn it into a spectacular art installation – a unique visitor attraction that aims to create conversations regarding sustainability and the environment.
The rig has been re-named The See Monster by the various companies who collaborated with Weston Town Council and North Somerset Council to bring this unique attraction to WSM.
At 115-feet The See Monster is taller than the Angel Of The North and far easier to spot than Anthony Gormley’s famous winged statue . . . if you’re in Weston.
When the art installation is complete it will be on four levels and feature a 33-foot waterfall, a seated ampitheatre, a green oasis and 6000 shimmering ‘scales’ that’ll give it the appearance of a sea monster.
If you fancy a close encounter with the monster, no need to rush. It’ll be there until the end of October when, in accordance with its sustainability message, it’ll all be taken down and recycled.
I’ve been looking for a conversation piece for my garden, so I might put an offer in for the waterfall . . .