A DISTINCTIVE Poole Quay sculpture created by one of the country’s most important artists will be restored to its former glory.

The metal sculpture, Sea Music, and its own viewing platform were designed and given to Poole in 1991 by Sir Anthony Caro, who died in 2013.

Yesterday, at a special event marking Sea Music’s 25th anniversary, Anthony’s son, Paul Caro, and civic dignitaries, officially launched the restoration project.

Paul, addressing a large crowd from the sculpture’s viewing platform, said: “I’m incredibly pleased that Poole has taken Sea Music to its heart. It is wonderful to see everyone here.This is one of the most significant examples of work by my father anywhere in England. It is a wonderful sculpture, I sometimes wonder why it works so well. I think it seems to reach up and aspires to grasp the sky and horizon beyond. It has the feeling of lyrical aspiration, to reach out and grasp.”

Last year the Echo reported the renovation of Sea Music was set to take place after a Heritage Lottery Fund development grant was secured.

Poole Museum will be putting on an array of Sea Music-themed events and exhibitions to mark the 25th anniversary.

Museum manager Michael Spender explained: “It was a great commitment for all those involved in the project to bring this extraordinary sculpture, the only major site-specific work by one of the world’s greatest sculptors of the late twentieth century, here to Poole Quay.”

“Making and installing Sea Music was only possible because Caro and many Poole businesses generously donated their time, expertise and materials. Thus avoiding any cost to the council and the people of Poole.

“Equally today, as we embark on a programme of conservation and repainting , the council is not having to bear the cost. Storms and the seaside environment have corroded the sculpture and it is in need of conservation.”

Sea Music will be repainted using the original blue colour, which was not used during an earlier restoration, while the viewing platforms will be painted silver to help distinguish them from the sculpture.

Cllr Ann Stribley, who was chairman of the planning committee that approved the sculpture in 1990, recalled how she visited Sir Anthony’s London studio ahead of any ruling.

“I took another Poole councillor with me, Brian Leverett, who later became leader of Poole Council, and we both saw the model of the sculpture. We both fell in love with it, every time I come to the quay and see it, it brings a smile to my face. For most people it lifts their spirits.”

Also attending Tuesday’s project launch were pupils from Canford Heath Middle School, who sang a song about the sculpture.

They youngsters had worked on a the special project with Soundstorm and the Roche Court Educational Trust.

The students worked with musician Katie Sayles to translate their lyrics into a melody.

Sea Music was designed to evoke the sound and appearance of the cascading sea.

However, the sculpture and three popular viewing platforms have suffered from the elements and are in need of conservation and repainting before they deteriorate further.