Coronation Green
High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5DD
About Coronation Green
A small green open space in the middle of Shoreham town centre shops opposite the end of East Street alongside Shoreham High Street. This open space is adjacent to the Shoreham end of the Adur Ferry bridge.
This spot is very popular for sitting and enjoying the lovely views and watching small boat traffic across the River Adur. It is also used for many community events.
Coronation Green is used for a monthly farmers' market and is also an ideal location for a craft fayre or food festival with access to electricity.
Shadow Ships
Shadow Ships is a new public art project that shines a light on Shoreham and the River Adur's rich maritime history.
Light Space Color, made up of artists Dawn Parsonage and Peter Hudson, successfully bid for the public art commission that we launched in 2025 to create a sustainable and interactive artwork for Coronation Green.
Titled Shadow Ships, the artwork features metal and coloured glass silhouette sculptures of boats and ships that were built in Shoreham or have an important connection to the Adur.
The ships were created using sustainable materials including reclaimed and recycled metal and reclaimed glass, with large parts built in West Sussex by Littlehampton Welding.
Five of the ships were chosen from a shortlist of 15 possible contenders, with over 600 of you voting for your favourites via an online poll, printed leaflet or in person at the Light Up Shoreham festive event in 2025. The sixth ship, Ship of the Future, is from the imaginations of the Year 5 children at Buckingham Park Primary School.
Photos: The six Shadow Ships at Coronation Green, Shoreham
The sculptures are uniquely interactive - using the sun to cast colourful light and shadow on the ground, which will change during the day as the sun moves and throughout the year as the seasons shift.
You can also listen to some personal stories and reflections about life in Shoreham from residents by scanning the QR codes on each ship, or find out more about the history of the ships via a free booklet that you can pick up from The Shoreham Centre or read online:
Photo: Project information boards about the six Shadow Ships
The artists hope that the artwork will create both a quiet place of contemplation and space for children to use their imagination and play with the shadows.
The project has been funded using just over £31,000 of Section 106 contributions from the developers behind Mariner Point, Lidl and the mixed-use development on Old Shoreham Road in the town.
Photo: Project artists Dawn Parsonage and Peter Hudson from Light Space Color
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs with the project artists Dawn Parsonage and Peter Hudson from Light Space Color.
What is the inspiration behind Shadow Ships?
We were captivated by the incredible history and beauty of Shoreham by Sea and the river Adur itself so we wanted to discover more and represent this.
We also wanted to create something playful, that is ever changing, just as the river constantly changes - something that the children can play with by running from shadow to shadow, being excited when the colour also shines in the shadows like jewels.
At the same time we wanted to create something for everyone to explore, and meditate on.
What attracted you to apply for this commission in Shoreham?
The history is fascinating, and the people are so welcoming. There is such a strong community, and that shows in all the participation which people have been so kind to be involved in.
The location is unique also. Coronation Green is a perfect place for a series of sculptures. As soon as we dug into the history we knew what we wanted to create.
Can you tell us a little about you and Light Space Color? What other art projects have you been involved with?
As the name suggests we love light, space and colour. Peter is passionate about the power of light and colour on people. His work In Colour was exhibited at the Tate St Ives and invited the public to move or shake a ball to change the thick colour of the room. It's an artwork for everyone, young and old and of all abilities.
That's what we hope for Shadow Ships too, that everyone is able to have their own experience of it.
We love interactivity, especially analogue interactivity. In a world of AI we are finding ourselves more and more interested in the magic, well I suppose the science of the world, which when we experiment and play with it can create true moments of playful wonder. As you might imagine, our current passion is shadows.
I'm partially interested in archives and our connection to them, unlocking all our stories in a way which truly opens them up to everyone. In fact I've collected my own archive of found photography over the last 30 years which I often reference in my artworks.
We are about creating artworks which are truly for the community. Which is why we do so much participation in our projects. Shadow Ships is for Shoreham, and I hope they are proud of it.
Name one interesting fact you have learned as part of this commission?
Gosh there are so many interesting facts! Shoreham is brimming with history. I just love the thought of such huge timber ships being built on or next the site of Coronation Green through time. And how they would have looked, dwarfing the small houses surrounding them - incredible.
What materials were used to create the installation?
They are primarily made of galvanised steel and coloured glass.
The coloured glass is mostly thick enamelled coloured glass which is created in a way to make it very strong indeed, and so that the colour will last at least 25 years.
The coloured glass in the Rosa Wood and Phyllis Lunn is from local artist Louise v Durham, as she creates the perfect could nuggets of glass we were looking for.
What considerations were given to sustainability during this project?
We are strong believers in the only legacy of a project being positive to the people and the planet where possible.
Most of the steel in the ships themselves, as well as the poles are repurposed from off-cuts in the yard of the fabricators Littlehampton Welding. The vast majority of steel and glass are recycled and are very recyclable, which we feel is important.
What was the thinking behind the glass colours chosen for the installation?
We have a spectrum from cool red to greeny yellow. We wanted to choose colours which stood out against the sometimes blue and green backdrop of Coronation Green. Red is the opposite colour to green, and orange is the opposite of blue, so on a sunny day the colours should feel vivid and alive.
How long will the installation be on display?
At least 25 years. It's been fascinating designing, engineering and constructing something to be so hard-wearing.
How does the art work change throughout the day?
As the name suggests, the shadows are important to the artwork. As the sun moves through the sky throughout the day, the shadows move towards the sea.
As the sun sets, a small pin-pick of a light will shine on each ship and guide them home ready for the next day. The lights are solar powered, so the sun helps to charge them in the day.
Is there a cost to view the installation?
No, viewing the installation is free and open to the public.
What are the hours for viewing the installation?
The installation is visible 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, as it is in a public space.
Is the installation interactive?
Yes you'll find QR codes on the ships to provide access to more information on the ship/boat you are viewing.
Is the installation accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the installation is situated in an area that is accessible to wheelchair users, prams and buggies.
Can I take photos or videos of the installation?
Yes! We encourage you to take photos and share them on social media. Please use the hashtag #ShadowShips, so we can capture images of your experience of the project.
Are dogs/pets allowed near the installation?
Yes, pets on a lead are generally allowed in this public space.
How is the installation being protected from the weather and vandalism?
The materials chosen are highly durable and weather-resistant. They have been designed and engineered to withstand 25 years in a coastal setting.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the artwork?
For the first year there is a guarantee of the manufacture for the fabricators. Light Space Color will ensure reasonable maintenance required within 18 months of installation including works pertaining to the solar powered element of the project, glass replacement and repainting. Following this period the council is responsible for maintenance.
What should I do if I notice damage to the artwork?
Please report any damage immediately to Adur & Worthing Councils using our Report function:
Is the installation safe for children?
Yes, it has been designed with public safety in mind. However, we ask that children are supervised and should not try to climb the posts - neither should adults!
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Page last updated: 18 May 2026