Community Endorsement
It’s been quite a month of progress for the project, with three generations of Shelleys brought back to life in our Shelley by the Shore event at Warnham Nature Reserve, where we were also excited to introduce some new poetic voices sharing their work.
Letter of endorsement from Tony Frankland, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Greenspaces
Providing opportunities to share information about the life and works of Percy Bysshe Shelley remains a crucial part of our work, alongside offering a platform for local poets to reach an audience.
But, as well as presenting this community event, July has also seen the project take a significant step forward when planning permission for the permanent memorial was granted.
The welcome news means we’re ready to move into the next, exciting phase of the project: commissioning the sculpture itself.
With the design already in place, fundraising now takes a priority, but we have also been busy gathering endorsements from different local businesses and organisations who support our work.
We have received a large number of letters of endorsement so far, so we thought it was time that we shared a few of them to give a flavour of the project’s popularity in the community.
Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Greenspaces, Tony Frankland was one of the first to send his endorsement, recognising ‘the vital contribution that public art makes to the cultural, social and economic life of our communities’.
Letter of endorsement from John Milne, MP for Horsham
He also acknowledged the artistic merit of the design, describing the proposed sculpture as ‘thoughtful, engaging and well-conceived.’
Member of Parliament for Horsham, John Milne, has also added his support to the campaign, noting that Shelley’s contribution both to the arts and political thinking ‘remains undimmed.’
Mr Milne added that ‘it’s only right that new generations of Horsham residents should be given a chance to discover his legacy for themselves, and celebrate his continuing relevance.’
The Arts Society Horsham have been long-term, enthusiastic supporters — and now generous benefactors of the work of the project.
Christine Knight, chair of the society, described TASH’s endorsement as ‘unwavering’. Categorising Vincent Gray’s design as ‘brilliantly conceptualised’, she acknowledged this ‘unique opportunity to honour one of English Literature’s greatest Romantic poets, right here in his home district.’
Letter of endorsement from The Arts Society Horsham
She identified the way that the sculpture will not only operate as a cultural focal point for Horsham, but also as an ‘artistic beacon’ and an ‘educational catalyst’ that would provide a ‘physical touchstone to inspire and educate younger generations.’
Given the proposed location of the sculpture within Horsham Park, the Friends of Horsham Park have been important allies in reaching this stage of the project.
Sally Sanderson, chair of Friends of Horsham Park explained that, as a group dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and promoting the park as a vibrant green space for the entire community, the friends believe that ‘Vincent Gray’s magnificent sculpture will be an extraordinary asset to the landscape’ describing it as an ‘incredible vision’.
The letter of endorsement from Friends of Horsham Park went on to say that introducing a permanent cultural landmark to celebrate Horsham’s most famous literary son ‘aligns perfectly with our vision to enrich the park's character’.
Letter of endorsement from Friends of Horsham Park
They consider that the proposed memorial will ‘not only honour Shelley’s creative legacy but will also create a beautiful, reflective focal point that enhances the visual and cultural fabric of the grounds.’
Here at the Shelley Memorial Project, we couldn’t agree with that sentiment more!
It’s also crucial, of course, that we have the backing of local businesses in the town.
Estate Agents Courtney Green are amongst those who have pledged their full and enthusiastic support.
Co-founder and Joint Managing Director Steven Greenfield explained that his company ‘take great pride in supporting initiatives that celebrate our town’s rich heritage, enhance its public spaces, and strengthen our local identity.’
Letter of endorsement from local Estate Agents Courtney Green
He went on to say, ‘From a property and community perspective, the cultural identity of a town plays a vital role in making it a desirable place to live, work, and invest. Vincent Gray’s proposed sculpture of Percy Bysshe Shelley in Horsham Park will provide a stunning new landmark that elevates the town’s aesthetic and cultural profile.’
It goes without saying that we’re thrilled to receive these endorsements for the project.
Please do get in touch if you wish to add your name to the growing list on our supporters page, or to offer your own letter of endorsement for the project.