Dr Jonathan Couch Public Bronze Statue

Aim: To make a life size bronze statue of Dr Jonathan Couch FLS to be installed in the heart of Polperro.

Introduction

We are delighted to present a proposal for a life size bronze sculpture of Dr Jonathan Couch FLS, to be installed in the heart of Polperro. Dr Couch was an internationally respected naturalist, physician, and a cherished figure in village life. As a pioneering ichthyologist, his legacy continues to influence marine biology today.

This statue will honour his contributions, provide a striking feature for the village, and serve as an educational focal point for locals and visitors alike.

Why Dr Jonathan Couch?

Dr Jonathan Couch FLS is a significant figure in natural history, due in part to his pioneering work on British fishes. He was among the first to systematically record marine life in Cornwall. A contemporary of Darwin and the village doctor, he was a central figure to life in Polperro. For over 60 years, he served the village, remembered as a compassionate physician and pillar of the community. Despite his international contributions, Couch remains a largely unsung hero outside of academic circles. This statue would help put Polperro on the map for visitors interested in science, history, and culture.

 Clay portrait sculpture of Jonathan Couch

Design & Artist

A traditionally trained and internationally recognised figurative sculptor, Jethro Crabb, member of the National Sculpture Society  will create the statue. He specialises in bringing historical characters to life and producing bold and striking bronze sculptures. His bronze sculpture of Churchill is on display at Blenheim Palace and his 10 bronze busts of Formula one legends are currently touring the world. Recently he was commissioned to produce a highly accurate and realistic wax figure of Jonathan Couch, which can be seen through one of the windows of Couch’s House from Lansallos Street.

The Statue

The striking life size bronze statue of Couch depicts a seated Dr Jonathan Couch deep in contemplation and cupping in his hand one of the species named after him, a Couch’s Goby (Gobius Couchii). This tiny fish is gilded, golden and shiny, it appears to be floating just above his hand. Couch wears his doctor’s coat and sits on a chair which is adorned with other examples of fish and marine life familiar from his studies. The base of the statue appears to be made up of coastal rock complete with limpets, barnacles, and seaweed. The bronze is patinated to a beautiful blue/green tone, reminiscent of the ocean.

The statue is positioned to look towards Couch’s House, creating a visual and historical link across the street. There are hidden details around the sculpture to spot, such as the key hanging on the back - which is a reference to the story of Couch’s father-in-law, Richard Quiller hanging a key on a beam. He left instructions that no one was to take it down until he returned from his last voyage. Unfortunately he never returned, so the key hung there until the house left the family.

Community Benefits

The statue of Couch will enhance the Big Green adding cultural value to the renovated public space. It will boost tourism by attracting visitors interested in natural history, heritage, and art.

The sculpture will provoke interest in and provide an accessible story of local history for schools and visitors. It could become a focal point for village identity, celebrating a local hero and fostering community pride

Cost

The total cost of the statue will be approximately £90,000 + VAT. This will include transport and installation of the sculpture. The aim is to fund this through a combination of crowdfunding, council funds and business sponsorship. Any help or ideas for funding would be gratefully received.

This project belongs to the people of Polperro. To succeed, we need your support—not just financially, but with ideas, enthusiasm, and community spirit.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 6th August 2025 at 10:00am