The ‘Wickers’, Felixstowe’s much-loved willow family, have been a familiar feature in Felixstowe’s Seafront Gardens ever since they were formally reopened by East Suffolk Council in 2015. Originally funded as part of a Heritage Lottery grant to refurbish the Gardens, the Wicker family were a surprise hit, loved by those local to Felixstowe and delighting visitors to the town equally. Willow structures naturally degrade over time, so – being biodegradable and situated outside year-round – the original sculptures did well to last five years.
Due to the popularity of the Wickers, Felixstowe Town Council recommissioned creator, local artist Tracy Barritt-Brown, to bring the family back. The result, a growing family comprising three standing sculptures, together with baby “Hope”, named by Felixstowe residents, arrived in March 2020.
Tomorrow, 12 October, having been damaged due to several recent mindless acts of vandalism, the Wickers are heading to Felixstowe Museum for winter respite. The Wickers can still be seen alongside the other attractions in 2022’s recently announced “Small Museum of the Year” during opening hours, before their planned return to their usual seafront position next summer.