Margate, Kent, January 2022
This bronze statue is the work of sculptor Ann Carrington, remembering Sophie Booth, who ran a guest house in Margate. She lost two husbands and one son to sea and illness. She was landlady to William Turner, and after the death of her second husband they became lovers. Although they never married they became known as Mr and Mrs Booth. Carrington has dressed her Mrs Booth in shells, inspired by the shell lady souvenirs sold at gift shops across Margate.
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Copyright Debbie Smyth, 12 February 2022
Posted as part of Becky’s SquareOdds
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It’s a beautiful sculpture, though she doesn’t look happy…understandably, from what you’ve told us.
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Interesting!
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That’s an unusual reason to remember someone, and the shells even more intriguing. A fabulous Square Odds 🙂
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And I would never have known about her if it wasn’t for this statue.
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Need more statues of everyday folk!
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I heard her story in a art doco about Turner
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That is a great sculpture!
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So clever, combining 2 elements of local history.
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Absolutely
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I imagined doll size but she’s much bigger. Reminds me of Molly Malone, for no good reason.
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I saw an element of Molly too. And I hadn’t thought about size having seen it in reality. I should have shown it in context too.
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🤗💗
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