Sculpture Trail
The Sculpture Trail, running along the final part of the C2C or Coast to Coast was created over a decade from 1991 to 2001 by sculptor Colin Wilbourn and writer Chaz Brenchley. Colin and Chaz worked with residents of Sunderland to create the trail which brings together Sunderland's past and present.
Local people played a significant part in the making of the trail. Around the plinth of 'Shadows in Another Light' are plaques showing the history of Sunderland, including the Lambton Worm, which were created in workshops by blind and partially sighted people.
The trail includes a 'shadow' of a hammerhead crane common in Sunderland shipyards, and 'Taking Flight' which shows a Cormorant taking flight in five stages. A collection of huge stone books outside the University Library refer to Bede and the Great Library of St Peter's and is named 'Pathways to Knowledge' and a series of three doors called 'Passing Through' represents past, present and future, only the present door you may pass through.
Sunderland is steeped in history with many hidden treasures to discover.
The historic and natural environment can have a positive effect on both mental and physical wellbeing.
These walks take in some of the city's most iconic landmarks and places of interest, including Penshaw Monument, St Peter's Church and the Queen Alexandra Bridge.
Plans have recently been submitted to extend the Sculpture Trail with three new sculptures. Two of the sculptures have been created by famous North East artist, Ray Lonsdale, and will complement the locally cherished 'Gan Canny' sculpture at Keel Square. The other is a striking tribute to the city's forgotten women shipyard workers created by Dr Ron Lawson, a Sunderland born artist whose own career started in heavy industry.
For further information on the Sculpture Trail see the PDF document below.
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