NEW sea-themed sculptures that mysteriously appeared in Weymouth's Hope Square have been causing a stir.

The two larger-than-life bronze crabs metal can now be seen 'dancing' on top of Portland stone barrels that have been installed outside the derelict Brewers Quay building.

The public art installation appeared in front of the former brewery at the start of this week, but as yet nobody has come forward to officially take credit for the works.

Pictures of the sculptures shared by restaurateur Barry Whettingsteel via the Hope Square Weymouth Facebook page have garnered a mixed response on the social media platform - as residents puzzled over the origins of the piece.

Mr Whettingsteel - who co-owns The Crows Nest restaurant and next-door Secret Garden Café with his partner Emma - posted the hi-res images on Tuesday, asking for people to share their views.

Dorset Echo: New kids on the block: Hope Square's newest residents seem like a barrel of laughs (Pic by Barry Whettingsteel)New kids on the block: Hope Square's newest residents seem like a barrel of laughs (Pic by Barry Whettingsteel)

One person said: "Who created them? No credit or details on the sculpture…" while another commented: "They’re great....nice to see a bit of public art, very continental."

"Weymouth needs imagination and flair if it’s going to attract tourists. I’m really pleased this is happening," said another.

Not everyone was in favour though. Critical remarks included: "Not keen - I'm sure that someone will knock the lobsters off looking for somewhere to sit one night - I'm sure they could have chosen something more decorative," and another commenter suggested the crabs "should be thrown back to the sea."

Others were quick to defend them - saying they look "fabulous" and improve the appearance of the square - which has long been overshadowed by the looming presence of decaying Brewers Quay. The Victorian red-brick has been left to rot despite recent attempts to save it.

Dorset Echo: Social media users have been quick to defend 'crabby' remarks from commenters (Pic by Barry Whettingsteel)Social media users have been quick to defend 'crabby' remarks from commenters (Pic by Barry Whettingsteel)

Welcoming the new sculptures as a "talking point," one person remarked: "With art you either you like it or you don’t so can argue over all night over a few drinks (sic.)"

While another person said: "Cute, until you accidentally sit on a claw... Ouch! I like them."

The decapods are the handiwork of local stonemason Alex Evans.

Alex' mum Nathalie told the Echo her son studied stone masonry in Weymouth and has operated his business STONEFORM from the town for around 20 years, carrying out projects locally and abroad.

"He went out with a local sailor, caught one or two crabs and modelled his sculptures on them," she said - explaining how detailed models were initially sculpted from clay before being cast in bronze.

Dorset Echo: The public art has caused a stir (Pic by Barry Whettingsteel)The public art has caused a stir (Pic by Barry Whettingsteel)

It is understood the piece is part of the new Weymouth Art Trail commissioned by Dorset Council and Weymouth Town Council.

Designed to 'encourage people to explore the town and reveal its history and relationship with water,' the trail is to feature a series of six sculptural installations at locations around the town. The project has been funded by Dorset Council, Weymouth Town Council and Arts Council England.

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