The internationally acclaimed Plymouth painter, Beryl Cook, OBE (1926 – 2008) is one of Plymouth’s most famous artists of the 20th Century. Her work centres around a tongue in cheek portrayal of the people of Plymouth enjoying their social life. A gentle critique, but always presented in a warm and humorous manner. The vision of the Beryl Cook Trail is to bring her paintings to life by a series of 15 to 30 life-size statues, drawn from her most famous works.

The statues would then be placed in prominent areas of the City, in order to produce an art trail for visitors to follow. The statues will all be unique, individual characters and will add a permanent colourful addition to the other landmarks in Plymouth. With the aid of the University of Plymouth and the Plymouth College of Art and Design, the statues will be constructed out of modern materials and using 3D computer assisted technological processes, ensuring a high level of accuracy, quality and durability.

The finished trail will be a first, putting Plymouth at the forefront of cutting edge design bringing Beryl Cook’s well loved characters to life. Given Beryl Cook’s worldwide appeal we envisage large numbers of visitors and tourists to Plymouth to view the statues. The statues will be fixed into the ground without plinths, in order to display them in their natural context and allow for photo opportunities next to them.

The Trail will be a fitting testament to Beryl Cook and this project is supported by Beryl Cook’s family.