The Black Rock Beachcombers have been created using a complex process of photogrammetry scanning on objects which have been found in an around the Black Rock Brighton site and 3D forms which have been digitally modelled based on historic photos of the site. The artworks have been 3D printed in aluminium in dialogue with engineers and experts experienced in creating permanent works for coastal sites.
The elements featured in the work stem from an extensive period of historic research by the artists who are themselves residents in the area and have a great love for the site, even before its regeneration. The artists also consulted extensively with the local community to understand what stories were meaningful to them and to visitors with fond memories. The work aims to make a link across time from the early days of the site to its contemporary and future story. They have used cutting edge technologies to make digital reconstructions of found objects from the site, literally beach-combing the area for driftwood and visiting local museums to scan historic seaweed collections and even an Iron Age horde. These elements have been brought together in three unique digitally collaged sculptures which have themselves been 3D printed and fabricated.
The Black Rock Beachcombers were finally installed on a cold but sunny day on 28th November 2024.