A FLY-TIPPED sofa in the heart of Lydbrook has become an unexpected star of Gloucestershire, drawing hundreds of visitors and making its mark as a quirky tourist attraction.
The two-seater settee was discarded on a patch of wasteland in the middle of the village at the beginning of April. Initially, the sight of the sofa was nothing more than an unsightly instance of fly-tipping.
However, local photographer Alex Elton-Wall soon saw potential in the abandoned furniture and its location. What started as a lonely piece of discarded furniture has evolved into something entirely different – a place for the community to gather, share a smile, and capture the essence of Lydbrook.
Since gaining attention, the sofa has made quite an impression. It has its own dedicated listing on Tripadvisor and a popular Facebook page called Lydbrook Lounge, where visitors post photos of themselves enjoying the odd yet charming spot.
“I saw it and immediately thought it was an opportunity to document the local community,” said Mr Elton-Wall: “A piece of rubbish turned into something fun. As an amateur documentary photographer, it’s been a great opportunity to photograph the community, which is hard to do these days.”
More than 150 people, along with their pets, have had their portraits taken on the now-famous sofa. Mr Elton-Wall’s photographs include families, couples, pub landlords, and even dogs, all taking part in this newfound tradition.
The photoshoot site has even welcomed some unusual guests—among them a chicken, a tortoise, and even a horse.
“The response from the village has been overwhelming,” Mr Elton-Wall said: “People have really embraced it. Some even brought props to make the scene more lively. The pub landlord brought beer barrels, and the café owner came down with all of the waitresses serving high tea.”
It’s not just local residents who are visiting. The sofa has quickly become a must-see spot for visitors passing through the village.
What began as an eyesore has become a point of pride for the village, with some even crediting the addition of furniture like a floor lamp and a potted plant as giving the space a homely feel.
The photograph sessions have been so popular that they’ve become almost a daily event, with more and more people turning up to be a part of the fun. “People have really made the sofa their own. It’s been amazing to see how the community has come together and had fun with it,” Mr. Elton-Wall added.
This spontaneous art project is also raising funds for a good cause. The portraits taken at the sofa will be compiled into a photobook, which will be sold at the village’s summer fete. All proceeds will go toward the purchase of new playground equipment for the local school.
Local pride is palpable as the sofa becomes a bit of a tourist attraction, and Mr. Elton-Wall believes the sofa is now more than just furniture.
The sofa’s rise to fame is a reminder that sometimes even the most unexpected and humble things can bring a community together.