Walking up Sea Road in Boscombe, just past St John's Road, you'll come across one of the more unusual pieces on the Boscombe Arts Trail: Optic. A large marble sphere is set behind the bars of a park bench, like an enormous glass eye peering out at the pavement, a quiet, slightly surreal moment on the walk between the seafront and the town.
The Boscombe Arts Trail
Optic is one of seven sculptures commissioned in 2010 from Dorset sculptor Andy Kirkby, chosen by a panel of arts professionals, local residents and ward councillors as part of Boscombe's seafront regeneration. The pieces share a marine theme, inspired by conversations with local people and references to the area's history, environment and the underwater tales of Jules Verne, along with common materials of bronze, copper and cast iron, linked by a recurring gilded rope motif. Other surviving works on the trail include Murano, a Venetian-style glass dome near Boscombe Pier, and the sunfish-inspired piece known on its plaque as Chemical Wedding.
Visiting
Optic sits in the open air on Sea Road, so it can be seen at any time, free of charge. It makes a good stop on a walk between Chemical Wedding and Murano further down towards the pier. Explore more of the area's outdoor art and seafront walks in our guide to things to do in Bournemouth.
