Benjamin Britten Boyhood Statue Set for Installation Next Summer in Lowestoft

A statue depicting Benjamin Britten in his youth is scheduled for erection in his native town next year, following the successful attainment of the £110,000 fundraising goal. This life-size bronze artwork will be situated near the seafront in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Britten, a composer who passed away in 1976, was born on 22 November 1913 at 21 Kirkley Cliff Road, and the sculpture, conceived by Ian Rank-Broadley, will be positioned directly opposite this birthplace. The announcement confirming that the fundraising objective had been met coincided with Britten’s birthday. Support for this initiative has come from both individuals and various trusts, with fundraising activities orchestrated by the Britten as a Boy project. Zeb Soanes, a broadcaster and vice chairman of the project, stated: “We have now raised all the money we need for the statue, which is wonderful news.” He added: “Benjamin Britten wanted to be remembered as a composer who served his community, and it’s fitting that our final fundraising event was a community bake sale at Lowestoft’s Kirkley Centre.” Soanes further remarked: “The project has reawakened a passion and appreciation for Britten in his home town and, through our educational resources, children have been learning and hearing how his childhood influenced his music.” He also noted: “The Oscar-winning film composer James Horner composed the music for the film Titanic after drawing inspiration from Britten’s music, and his widow Sara kindly made a donation in his memory.” Mr Rank-Broadley commented: “The genius of Britten appeared in childhood. This statue of him as a boy in Lowestoft can inspire generations of children to follow their dreams. Bronze is for eternity – Britten deserves no less.” The sculpture is slated for unveiling next summer, oriented towards the sea.