Seahorses Above the Entrance to the Midland Hotel in Morecambe 

Eric Gill’s ‘Seahorses’ are sculptures above the entrance to the Midland Hotel in Morecambe. The carvings, made from Portland stone, project a serene presence, their pale hue contrasting against the sky. The seahorses are simplified, almost geometric, with a nod to Art Deco’s love of streamlining and symmetry. Gill reduces the seahorse form to its essential elements, emphasizing smooth curves and repeating patterns of scales. This simplification speaks to a broader modernist tendency to strip away ornamentation in favor of clean, functional lines. The sculpture is not merely decorative, it becomes an integral part of the building's structure and identity. In Gill's hands, the seahorse, a symbol of the sea, transforms into an emblem of modernity, embodying the era's aspirations for a harmonious blend of art, nature, and industry. The structure and form contribute to a dialogue about the future of art and its role in shaping a new world.