Plans for new riverside sculptures paying tribute to Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage are set to be decided next week.
The new sculptures will become part of Sunderland’s Sculpture Trail, which was launched more than three decades ago and runs along the final part of the Coast to Coast cycle route. These additions include works by renowned artists and aim to honour Sunderland’s historical significance in shipbuilding.
Introduction
Plans for new riverside sculptures paying tribute to Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage are set to be decided next week.
The new sculptures will become part of Sunderland’s Sculpture Trail which was launched more than three decades ago. The trail runs along the final part of the Coast to Coast cycle route. The additions include works by renowned artists and aim to honour Sunderland’s historical significance in shipbuilding.
A Tribute to Shipbuilding Heritage
Two of the sculptures have been created by famous North East artist Ray Lonsdale. These will complement the ‘Gan Canny’ sculpture in Keel Square. The third sculpture is a tribute to the city’s forgotten female shipyard workers and has been crafted by Sunderland-born artist Dr Ron Lawson.
Details of the Sculptures
Ray Lonsdale’s works, ‘It Says Here’ and ‘Launch Day’, depict scenes from shipyard life.
The first piece shows two shipyard workers having their lunch together. It will be located between Palmer’s Hill Road and the ‘Shadows in Another Light’ sculpture.
The second piece features a young girl sitting with her grandfather, overlooking the River Wear, and listening to stories of the shipyards.
Molly: A Tribute to Female Workers
The third sculpture, ‘Molly’, honours the contributions of female shipyard workers during the Second World War.
This piece, created by Dr Ron Lawson, will be installed on the riverside walkway opposite the National Glass Centre. It has been commissioned by the Sunderland branch of the Soroptimists, a group that supports and champions women and girls worldwide.
Lawson, whose own career began in heavy industry, crafted ‘Molly’ to ensure the legacy of these women is not forgotten.
Role of the Planning Committee
Sunderland City Council’s planning committee will review the applications for these new public artworks. The committee will discuss the proposals during a meeting at City Hall on 30 September. The meeting, starting from 17:30 BST, will be open to the public.
These applications have already been publicised, and if approved, the sculptures are expected to be installed later this year.
The Historical Context
The Sculpture Trail was originally created by sculptor Colin Wilbourn and writer Chaz Brenchley. It aims to bring together Sunderland’s past and present.
The trail features local people’s contributions, making it a communal project that celebrates the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
These new additions will further enhance the trail, offering more comprehensive stories of Sunderland’s role as a global hub of shipbuilding.
Public and Cultural Impact
The introduction of these sculptures is not only an artistic endeavour but also an educational one.
By showcasing the stories of shipyard workers, both men and women, the sculptures aim to educate the public about Sunderland’s historical significance. This, in turn, fosters a sense of community pride.
The new sculptures will significantly contribute to Sunderland’s cultural landscape.
Their approval and installation will offer a chance to honour the city’s heritage, ensuring that the stories of its shipbuilding history are preserved for future generations.
The new sculptures will significantly contribute to Sunderland’s cultural landscape.
Their approval and installation will offer a chance to honour the city’s heritage, ensuring that the stories of its shipbuilding history are preserved for future generations.
