Jekyll and Hyde author honoured with sculpture

Author Robert Louis Stevenson only lived in Bournemouth for three years but it was during that time he wrote his horror novella, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

A sculpture inspired by the book's characters has this week been unveiled at nearby Alum Chine, not far from his former home.

The Treasure Island novelist moved to "Skerryvore" in Westbourne with his wife in 1884, naming the house after a lighthouse in Scotland built by his uncle.

He remained there until 1887 during which time he also wrote Kidnapped and A Child's Garden of Verses.

In November 1940, the house was destroyed in a German air raid and the plot, which still includes the footprint of the house, was later turned into a memorial garden which is maintained by the Friends of Skerryvore.

The sculpture was unveiled on Monday as part of Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council's Coastal Art Trail, funded by the government.

The work draws on themes from Stevenson's writing, incorporating contributions from the community, including pupils from St Michael's Primary School.

Artist Tim Ward of Circling the Square said he was "proud" to have been commissioned by BCP to create the sculpture.

He said: "I thank the council officers and all those involved for their partnership working in the design of the sculptures, including St Michael's Primary School and the Friends of Skerryvore, from developing the original concept to the final form for the artwork."

The Reverend Christopher Colledge, who founded the Friends of Skerryvore, said: "The design of the sculpture depicting the dark and light side of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde captivates the true significance of this most remarkable author.

"The sculpture will highlight the tremendous historical heritage that Robert Louis Stevenson brought to Bournemouth and it will be recognised not only locally but throughout the world."