Maggi Hambling’s Scallop: A Controversial Tribute on the Suffolk Coast
Standing on the windswept shingle of Aldeburgh Beach in Suffolk, England, Maggi Hambling’s Scallop is a striking and divisive piece of public art. Installed in 2003, the four-metre-high stainless steel sculpture was created as a tribute to Benjamin Britten, the renowned composer who lived in Aldeburgh and whose music was deeply inspired by the Suffolk coast.
The sculpture’s design features two interlocking steel shells, one standing tall and jagged, the other nestled within, giving the impression of a scallop that has been split open by the sea. Cut into the steel are the words “I hear those voices that will not be drowned,” a line from Britten’s opera Peter Grimes. The inscription evokes the haunting beauty of Britten’s music and the enduring power of the sea, which so often served as his muse.
Since its installation, Scallop has sparked both admiration and controversy. Some see it as a powerful and fitting tribute to Britten, harmonizing with the vast, open landscape of the Suffolk coast. Others argue that its modern, industrial appearance is out of place in the natural setting, disrupting the unspoiled beauty of the beach. Over the years, it has been the target of vandalism, with graffiti periodically appearing on its surface—perhaps a sign of the strong feelings it provokes.
Despite the divided opinions, Scallop has become an enduring landmark, drawing visitors from across the country. Many see it as a thought-provoking piece that invites contemplation—of music, the sea, and the shifting relationship between nature and art. Whether loved or loathed, it is impossible to ignore.
For those walking Aldeburgh Beach, Scallop offers a moment to pause and reflect. As the waves crash and the wind howls, Hambling’s tribute stands firm—a bold, unapologetic presence on the Suffolk coast, much like Britten’s music remains in the world of classical composition.
