The sculpture will be modelled off the dimensions of a real ormer shell and will appear seated on rocks to reflect its natural habitat.
“The beauty of the shell with its rich patination, internal iridescence and natural geometry, make it a perfect subject to recreate at scale,” said Chris Humber from the GGO.
Both the base of rocks and the sculpture itself will be cast in bronze, explained Mr Humber.
“The outside of the shell will reflect its natural colours and texture, the inside polished to create a reflection and give the appearance of gold.”
Pictured: The Round Top Stores was one of the five sites available for public ideas under the Seafront Enhancement Area initiative. Mr Humber, right, promised at the time that the final idea for the site would be a “significant sculpture that will become synonymous with the spirit of Guernsey.”
Mr Humber drew inspiration from the likes of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, or the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and the not-for-profit group believes an ormer will reflect the Guernsey’s “rich history” of stories and folklore dating back to the 18th century.
The Golden Guernsey Ormer LBG was set up by Mr Humber as a charitable organisation which will be responsible for funding the project, which he says will come from sponsorship.
South African Sculptor, Nic Bladen, has been selected for the project, with Mr Humber confident Mr Bladen can bring the idea to life, saying: “for many years he has produced extraordinary botanical bronzes that reflect the nature that surrounds him, and is known internationally for his rich colouring and patination.”
Now that planning permission has been granted, the design, development and construction phases will take place during 2022, with Mr Humber aiming for the unveiling to coincide with the first ormer tide of 2023.
The Golden Guernsey Ormer has a right to occupy the piece of public land for five years following the Seafront Enhancement initiative.