Coastal Forces Monument

This scale model was created in a 3D imaging programme working with two of Amy’s scanned maquettes and the original drawings of the Gunboat. It was then 3D printed and has been rendered in verdigris bronze and zinc in this visual to give Amy and the team some ideas of how it might look in situ at Victory Gate. At this stage, nothing is ‘fixed’ as she experiments with different trim angles and wave patterns – and materials. In parallel, she is busy sketching ideas for carvings and figures, whilst working alongside the boatbuilders and structural engineers who are concentrating on some of the practical aspects – how to fit it all together and make it last a century or two! The finished article will stand roughly 4 metres tall and have a ground footprint of 25 square metres. We can’t think of many ‘maritime’ sculptures on this scale – can you?

The structure will incorporate seating and a number of carvings providing additional drama and information. The location, at a natural meeting point inside the dockyard gate in the Portsmouth Historic Quarter, provides extensive opportunities for public interaction.

Here is the preliminary model, unpainted and created using a 3D printer, which gives Amy and the team some ideas about the opportunities for carvings on the back and the pitch and trim of the vessel. These could be the first waves in the world with built-in seats! It also helps the design team to work out how best to construct the various elements, support them – and install them at the site.

The main sculpture will have the two figures on the bow of the boat looking towards Portsmouth Harbour, the British Military Powerboat Collection and the Night Hunter Exhibition across the water. The signaller is using an Aldis lamp to communicate with a WRNS signaller who will be stood next to Boathouse No 4.

The preliminary model from head-on. It will stand 4m high – so should be quite imposing!
Robert Hichens in his seagoing overalls – and an artist’s sketch of how he might look. The historical research into the various components of the sculpture is a fascinating element of the design process.
Research materials to inform some of the carvings – these images come from the boats of the British Miliary Powerboat Collection as well as material from the Night Hunters Museum, the Imperial War Museum and the Trust’s own archive material.
The preliminary model, seen from the starboard side.
Plastillin rendering of the WRNS signaller
Around the monument and carved into it will be scenes from operations, design drawings of the different vessels and tributes to groups of men and women who made such a huge contribution. One idea is a series of plaques set into the paving stones. Each one will lead the visitor to an information display that helps to bring the whole thing to life.

Our Target

To deliver this monument, we need £250,ooo by November 2026