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Portuguese pavement mosaic would be 'UK's first'

Andrew Turner/BBC Ruben Cruz, who has a beard, moustache and dark hair, wearing a cream hooded top and brown and cream chequered jacket. He is standing outside the Christchurch building in Great Yarmouth.Andrew Turner/BBC
Ruben Cruz, founder of Reprezent Arts, said the proposed pavement mosaic would celebrate the links between Portugal and England

A Portuguese pavement mosaic thought to be the first of its kind in the UK could be installed on a seaside town's new sculpture trail.

The ground-breaking 30sq m (322sq ft) exhibit would be part of a £330,000 project planned for Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk.

Designed by Portuguese artist Rui Ferreira. it would portray King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, who were married in 1386. It is even hoped a replica would be created back in Lisbon.

Ruben Cruz, founder of Reprezent Arts, which commissioned the mosaic, said there were examples elsewhere in Europe, but there were "none in the UK".

Rui Ferreira A design for a round mosaic, featuring King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster. It has the words Portugal and England, and the date 1386 in a round border.Rui Ferreira
The design for the mosaic features King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, who were married under the Treaty of Windsor in 1386

Mr Cruz said it would be made from Portuguese stone and would cost up to £25,000.

He added: "The idea is the celebration of the links between Portugal and England.

"There are examples of this paving in Portugal and in Spain and France, as well as other parts of Europe and in former Portuguese colonies, but there is none in the UK, so this will be the first, and we are hoping there will be a replica of this installation created in Lisbon."

He added: "Imagine doing a massive stencil like Banksy does, but we will put it on the floor and use different coloured limestone.

"The pieces of stone will be broken with a hammer, by hand, to fill in the gaps, using white, black and a special rose stone from Portugal, which will give it a bit of colouring."

Andrew Turner/BBC Christchurch church in Great Yarmouth, a large brick building with a gabled end and large windows. Two brick towers adorn the building. There is a blue sky behind it.Andrew Turner/BBC
If permission is given, the pavement mosaic would be installed outside Christchurch

With money from the government's Town Deals fund, which aims to regenerate town centres, it is hoped ten sculptures will be installed, subject to planning permission.

One sculpture would celebrate Great Yarmouth-born artist Ernie Childs.

James Bensly, a Conservative councillor with a responsibility for tourism and culture, said: ''I am delighted people will be able to enjoy such an impressive collection of public art in the borough and am grateful to all the artists who are contributing such amazing pieces.

''This exciting and high-quality new trail will offer our residents and visitors the opportunity to see first class public art and give people a chance to explore Great Yarmouth and discover more about the town."

Supplied A pencil drawing of a man in fisherman's clothes with a rope over his shoulder leaning on barrel near a bench.Supplied
An artist's impression of one of the other proposed sculptures called "Yarn with Ernie", celebrating the Great Yarmouth artist Ernie Childs

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