The Field of Light by Bruce Munro had been months in the planning. It was hoped the project would bring vital footfall to Salcombe during the quieter months, with some estimating as many as 300,000 extra visitors would be drawn to the coastal town.
It was also going to be a major fundraiser for the RNLI, with as much as £200,000 forecast to be donated by those who came to enjoy the spectacle. The Field is a large scale art work made up of more than 8,000 illuminated frosted glass spheres, attached to slender stems, and connected by glowing optical fibre.
The work had been granted planning permission to be installed on fields on the East Portlemouth side of the estuary, where it would be visible from Salcombe.
But with the work due to be spectacularly illuminated in late September, one of the landowners involved has suddenly pulled out.
Bruce Munro Studio and the RNLI said it was with ‘deep regret’ that they had been forced to make the announcement, after permission to use the site was formally withdrawn on August 13.
A representative from Bruce Munro said that in spite of the best endeavours of all involved, it was not possible to overcome some individual concerns regarding use of part of the site.
The Studio and RNLI added that they fully respect the decisions made by the parties concerned.
They said: ‘Both the Bruce Munro Studio and the RNLI would like to thank all parties involved in the planning and preparation of the exhibition, not least the businesses and residents local to the area who have committed valuable time and expertise in developing proposals over the past 12 months and embraced the concept with such enthusiasm.
‘Recently a Just Giving page was opened in order to raise funds for the RNLI to which people have generously contributed.
The Bruce Munro Studios are establishing how donations made to the RNLI can be refunded to individuals and businesses, who so kindly donated to the cause.’
Vice-chair of Kingsbridge and Salcombe Chamber of Commerce James Spencer said: ‘In short, we’re absolutely gutted for our members.
‘For years, the South Hams economy has been crying out for more significant attractions to bring visitors to the area outside the main school holiday periods.
‘When we learned last September that Bruce Munro, with Salcombe-based friend Lorna Yabsley, planned to bring the Field of Light here in aid of the RNLI we saw the opportunity finally arising, both in winter 2015/16 and the possibility of an annual arts event spinning off.
‘To learn that the event is pulled weeks before opening night is very disappointing indeed.’
Manager of Salcombe Information Centre Debs Ward was likewise ‘gutted’, and said the centre had put a great deal of work into the project. She added: ‘This was a huge opportunity for the town, and a huge amount of work had gone into it. It would have brought massive footfall to Salcombe out of season, and it’s just a great sadness that it’s been called off at this late stage.’