Better Tomorrows

The Sculpture Challenge

RECYCLING mum’s rubbish has led to Linda Henley winning a prestige art contest.

She came first in this year’s Sculpture Challenge, which is held annually by Better Tomorrows, the not-for-profit community interest company that is spearheading a range of initiatives to encourage sustainable living in West Sussex.

Her sculpture – titled Land-unfill – included several glass bowls turned upside down and containing bottle tops and plastic set aside by her mum.

It will now be displayed for up to six months in the Cass Sculpture Foundation, Goodwood, a charity set up to help British artists further their careers.

Alice Weatherall-Thoms, a student at Central Sussex College, Haywards Heath, came second. Another Worthing student, Harvey Hatchard, of Worthing Sixth Form College, came third. They will both receive cash prizes.

All three said the competition helped them to think about how they treat the environment as well as focus on their creative capabilities.

Linda added: "I feel very proud to have my work exhibited in such a beautiful and inspirational venue.

Harvey said: "I found most of the stuff I used in the streets. I found an umbrella that I saw when I was coming back from rugby. The best thing about it is that you can gather lots of bits and then put it all together."

The judges included local sculptor Hamish Black and two directors of Better Tomorrows, David Fearnely and Phil Townrow.

John de Mierre, Chairman of Better Tomorrows, said: "An impressive amount of thought, craftsmanship and research went into each entry.

"The Sculpture Challenge highlights the importance of recycling, just how easy it is to recycle and the wide range of material that can be re-used or recycled, rather than being sent to landfill.

"It also encourages young artists in West Sussex and offers them the opportunity to gain a first class shop window for their artistic achievement."

Next year’s contest, he said, will be even bigger.

"We have been awarded a £2500 grant from the Ernest Cook Trust, which encourages young people to take an interest in the countryside, the environment and the arts.

"This means we will be able to invite more colleges to take part next year and build upon our past successes."