Sculptures are the perfect artworks for Southwold hotel

Sutherland house Restuarant, Southwold have commisioned artwork from local artist's Chris and Jean Berry. (Image: (C)archant2015)

Reydon-based artists Chris and Jean Berry had gone to the Sutherland House Hotel and Restaurant on the High Street for a meal - but ended up getting their latest commission as well.

Mr Berry said: 'My wife and I just went up to the restaurant for an anniversary meal in December and got chatting with Andy Rudd, the owner.

'He had heard about me doing my sculptures and asked if we could do a fish - we just went from there.'

So the Berrys went away to create a fish for the restaurant, painstakingly carved from just one piece of driftwood.

Sutherland house Restuarant, Southwold have commisioned artwork from local artist's Chris and Jean Berry.Restaurant owner Andy Rudd with the artwork. (Image: (C)archant2015)

'I find a really good piece of driftwood and I see something in it,' said Mr Berry.

Owner Andy Rudd said it was the latest in a number of local collaborations for the hotel and fish restaurant.

'One of the things we've always done here is kept it local,' he said.

'It's what we're all about. Everything we do we try to do locally - that's our unique selling point and it's the right thing to do.'

After their conversation in the restaurant, Mr Rudd visited the Berrys' Reydon workshop to see what could be created.

'He got the idea right away of the sort of thing we wanted,' said Mr Rudd.

'The reaction so far has been really positive from the customers, it looks so natural.'

And that was Mr Berry's aim.

'I work with what nature gives me,' he said.

'I hope it will be a talking point for people eating in the restaurant and something they find interesting.'

To see more of the Berrys' work, visit www.driftwoodsculpturesnaturereborn.co.uk or call 01502 724722 for details.

Do you know of any local businesses supporting each other? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk