Plymouth's Playful Beryl Cook Sculptures Bring Art to Life in the Streets!

In Plymouth, a city in Devon, four life-size sculptures have appeared in different locations to honor the famous artist Beryl Cook. These statues are part of a celebration for what would have been her 100th birthday. Beryl Cook was known for her colorful and humorous paintings of everyday people in Plymouth, and now her art has come to life in the form of these large, playful sculptures. The statues include a dancer, a sailor, a shopper, and a bowls player, each placed in a spot that inspired Beryl Cook’s original paintings. The Theatre Royal Plymouth’s set building team created these sculptures, making sure they captured the fun and lively spirit of Cook’s work. The sailor, called The Jolly Sailor, is sitting on a bench outside The Dolphin Pub in The Barbican, looking cheerful in his navy uniform. The Cheerful Shopper stands outside Plymouth Market, dressed in a blue dress and high heels, pushing a leopard print shopping cart. The Bowls Player is next to the public bowling green at The Hoe, and the dancer, known as Ruby Venezuela, is near the old Lockyer Tavern.

Sophie Howe, Beryl Cook’s granddaughter, said that her grandmother loved Plymouth and that the city loved her back. She believes Beryl would have been delighted to see her characters brought to life in the very places she painted them. The statues are not just decorations; they are a way for Plymouth to say thank you to an artist who always celebrated the city and its people. Jemima Laing, the deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, explained that these sculptures are a tribute to Beryl Cook’s unique way of showing Plymouth’s character and community. The statues are designed to be fun and interactive, encouraging people to take selfies and enjoy the art up close.

The sculptures are also part of a larger exhibition about Beryl Cook at The Box, a museum in Plymouth, which runs until the end of May. The exhibition and the statues together help people learn more about Beryl Cook’s life and her love for Plymouth. The city hopes that these statues will inspire both locals and visitors to appreciate the art and history of Plymouth. The statues are full of humor and charm, just like Beryl Cook’s paintings, and they bring a sense of joy to the city streets. By placing the sculptures in public spaces, Plymouth is making art accessible to everyone and keeping Beryl Cook’s legacy alive. Whether you are a fan of her work or seeing it for the first time, the statues offer a new way to experience the city and its artistic heritage.