Two ‘stunning’ sculptures celebrating city’s industrial heritage unveiled

Two sculptures celebrating Sunderland’s industrial heritage have been unveiled on the Wear’s banks.

The artworks by Ray Lonsdale, a favourite known for the steel sculpture ‘Gan Canny’ in Keel Square, now stand on the city’s riverside at the University of Sunderland’s St Peter’s Campus.

The first sculpture, ‘It Says Here’, is a 2.7-metre-tall corten steel piece depicting two shipyard workers enjoying their lunch, capturing the city’s mood as the shipbuilding industry neared its end.

Ray Lonsdale’s new work ‘It Says Here’ (Image: Creo Comms)

The second, ‘Launch Day’, showcases a young girl and her grandfather, who overlooks the River Wear and reminisces about the shipyards.

These new additions are now part of Sunderland’s Sculpture Trail, which follows the final stretch of the Coast to Coast cycle route and was initially created over a decade by sculptor Colin Wilbourn and writer Chaz Brenchley.

They join a series of public art pieces celebrating Sunderland’s rich heritage.

Ray Lonsdale and Cllr Beth Jones (Image: Creo Comms)

Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture, and tourism, said: “These are stunning pieces that celebrate a part of the city’s history that we’re all enormously proud of, and that residents – understandably – like to see commemorated.”

The arts, also known for the famous ‘Tommy’ sculpture in Seaham, County Durham, is a native of the North East.

His ‘distinctive style’ is evident in these new additions, as well as his previous commission, ‘Shifting Times’, a five-metre steel sculpture of a miner’s helmet in Houghton-le-Spring.

‘It Says Here’, by Ray Lonsdale (Image: Creo Comms)

Mr Lonsdale said: “As someone born and raised in the North East, I am proud of my roots and it’s an honour to celebrate that through my work.

“These latest pieces have been ready for some time, so it is a magnificent moment, seeing them lifted into position and making their mark on the riverside.”

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The sculptures have been warmly received by the community, adding to the city’s recognition of its historical past.

Their unveiling follows the installation of a sculpture named ‘Molly’ by Dr Ron Lawson in January, an ode to the women of Wearside who contributed to the wartime shipyard efforts.

Cllr Jones said: “I am really proud that we continue to enhance our city with artwork that brings to life a past we still fondly remember, while investing in a future we can all look forward to.”