Fishermans Slope in Sheringham has been transformed

The barriers surrounding Fisherman’s Slope in Sheringham are now decorated with reproductions of artwork by local artist Mick Bensley.  

Mr Bensley painted scenes from the town’s fishing and lifeboat heritage before he died in 2023.  

Sheringham's Fisherman's Slope has undergone a transformation (Image: Brian Farrow)

Fisherman’s Slope is a historic concrete access ramp and slipway used for generations to haul traditional crab and lobster boats from the beach. 

Its history dates to before 1894, when it was used by the crew of the lifeboat the Henry Ramey Upcher. 

The paintings show the area through the years (Image: Brian Farrow)

North Norfolk District Council has now completed improvements to the barriers, using the space to display a series of images showing how the area has changed over the decades. 

One picture shows the site around a century ago, including the old access ramp leading into the gable end of Oddfellows Hall.

Built in 1870, the building housed Sheringham’s first RNLI lifeboat, the Duncan. 

The images are prints copied with permission from a book by artist Mick Bensley (Image: Brian Farrow)

Another image, taken from a lino print as a present to coastal engineer Brian Farrow from Norfolk Norfolk District Council, depicts fishermen recovering the boat Mizpah from the beach around 50 years ago. The scene includes several local fishermen who can still be identified. 

A third artwork shows the privately owned former Sheringham lifeboat Henry Ramey Upcher at sea.