History of Sand Sculpting

Sculptures in Sand was started by FG Darrington (28/08/10 – 16/08/02) whose passion for sand sculpting began just after World War 1 in the early 1920’s. This was before the quay extensions to Weymouth Harbour had been built. The tide used to run up to the promenade as the level of the beach was lower than it is today. Fred would jump down when the tide went out and draw grand castles and cathedrals in the sand for the public to admire. The onlookers would throw coins onto the sand to show their appreciation. As the tide came back in the coins would be thrown into the sea. Fred would dive in and retrieve them to the delight of the crowd.

Fred was one of a number of lads running this sort of attraction during the summer. Fred started sand sculpting in the 1920’s which proved to be an even greater attraction. A lad called Swift Vincent also began sand sculpting on Weymouth Beach at this time. Fred’s skills improved and refined until he became one of the world’s acknowledged masters of sand sculpting. Fred was entirely self-taught and he worked from the 1920’s right up until 1996 when he retired at the age of 86 due to a stroke. Other sand sculptors at the time included Jack Hayward, who worked on Weymouth Beach from the 1930’s to 1970’s. Also, John Suchomlin, who began sand sculpting in Australia but came to the UK in the 1930’s to sculpt on Bournemouth Beach.

Mark Anderson is the present sand sculptor, Fred’s grandson. Mark has helped out his grandfather since the age of 11. At first he ran errands and made the tea, also learning how to mix the sand and water binding it together ready for sand sculpting. He then became an apprentice in 1988 at the age of 22.

Mark had to develop his own skills. Fred never told him what to do but was always there for tips and advice. Mark had to serve his apprenticeship in front of the crowds, and progressed quickly to avoid the forthright observations of the younger members of the audience. Mark knew he had succeeded when he turned up for work one day to find Fred had changed the sign to "Sand Sculptures by FG Darrington & Grandson". Mark was very proud and today he runs Sculptures in Sand on his own but ever mindful of the influence of his kindly grandfather. Mark carries on sand sculpting throughout the summer, spending the winter months carrying out work for his various clients.