New Robert Louis Stevenson sculpture unveiled at Alum Chine

A new sculpture celebrating author Robert Louis Stevenson has been unveiled at Alum Chine beach in Bournemouth, marking his links to Westbourne and his literary legacy on the South Coast.

Earlier today, the launch was celebrated with a ribbon cutting and speeches from the artist Tim Ward, Cllr Richard Herrett (Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations), Rev Chris Colledge, and BCP Council Cultural Development Manager Andrea Francis.

“A real celebration of Bournemouth’s cultural and literary heritage”

Cllr Richard Herrett said the sculpture is a major addition to Alum Chine and highlights Bournemouth’s cultural story:

“This is a fantastic addition to Alum Chine and a real celebration of Bournemouth’s cultural and literary heritage.

“The sculpture brings Robert Louis Stevenson’s story to life in a way that is accessible, engaging and set beautifully within our coastline. It gives residents and visitors another reason to explore the area, learn something new and enjoy our natural surroundings.

“It’s been especially important that this project has involved the local community, from schools to heritage groups, helping to create something that people can feel proud of. It’s a great example of how we’re continuing to invest in culture and make it available for everyone to enjoy.”

Stevenson’s Bournemouth connection

Stevenson — best known for Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde — moved to Bournemouth with his wife Franny in the late 1800s, drawn by the health benefits of the coastal air.

The couple lived in Westbourne from 1884 in a home they named Skerryvore, after a lighthouse built by Stevenson’s uncle in Scotland. During his time in the area, Stevenson wrote some of his most acclaimed works, including Kidnapped, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and A Child’s Garden of Verses.

A sculpture shaped by the community

The sculpture, created by Tim Ward of Circling the Square, depicts Stevenson and incorporates imagery and quotes inspired by his writing. BCP Council says the design was shaped through engagement with the local community, including children from St Michael’s Church of England Primary School and heritage group Friends of Skerryvore.

Visitors are also invited to “walk in Stevenson’s footsteps” by finding ‘lost pages’ from his works placed on stone markers through historic Alum Chine, linking the sculpture to the surrounding area.

Part of BCP’s Coastal Art Trail

BCP Council says the artwork is part of the Coastal Art Trail, aiming to encourage people to explore more of the coastline and its heritage sites, while providing free opportunities to access art and culture across the BCP area. The project has been fully funded through a UK Government grant.

Visit Skerryvore Gardens too

While Skerryvore House no longer stands, the site can still be visited today as Skerryvore Gardens — memorial gardens featuring the layout of the former home and a sculpture of the Skerryvore Lighthouse. The gardens are maintained by the voluntary group Friends of Skerryvore and are free to visit.

More information about BCP’s Coastal Public Art Trail and Writers’ Trail can be found at: www.explorebcp.co.uk/