05/05/2025
2009.
Blocker's Seaside
"Blocker's Seaside reflects on the life of early twentieth century workers from the hat factories of Luton, who became known as ‘blockers'. Not being able to afford to go away on holiday they came to Leagrave with their families to picnic and bathe in the River Lea. It became known as ‘Leagrave on Sea' or ‘The Blocker's Seaside'.
These giant bronze hat blocks were cast by Bronze Age Foundry and sited to emerge from newly restored marshland, as if they are bathers from the past. The work revives a sense of the history that links Marsh Farm to Luton and celebrates the wonder of the River Lea as it flows from its source at Marsh Farm, through London to join the Thames."
