The North East sculptor Ray Lonsdale has created a giant steel bench and bicycle in Tynemouth to create a stunning new focal point for much-loved cycle routes that converge on the town.
Ray Lonsdale installing the sculpture with his son Sam, in Tynemouth. PHOTO: Destination North East England
The artwork is located on the clifftops overlooking the iconic Tynemouth seafront, close to Tynemouth Rowing Club.
It features a larger-than-life park bench with local scenes, and a 1.8 metre vintage bicycle propped up alongside it.
The sculpture is a striking new tourist attraction for the town, celebrating the point where six long-distance cycle paths meet on the National Cycle Network.
The routes attract thousands of visitors every year, from the UK and overseas.
We worked with Destination North East England, North East Combined Authority, North Tyneside Council, NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Visit Northumberland to develop the sculpture with Ray.
It was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
A new landmark for the North East
The artist is famous for his public artworks of large-scale steel sculptures such as Herring Girl in North Shields and ‘Big Fella’ in Silloth.
Ray said: “As a cyclist myself, I am delighted to be selected to create a sculpture marking the end of the coast to coast routes. I wanted to try to make something that attracts interest and photo opportunities, and that relays a little of the history of the area.”
Ray is famous for large scale steel sculptures like 'Herring Girl' in North Shields. PHOTO: Ray Lonsdale
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
"I love that this sculpture was created by local artist, Ray Lonsdale, showcasing our region's creative talents, and that local communities helped shape the design which celebrates Tynemouth's cycling heritage where iconic routes intersect.
"Our region attracts millions of visitors every year, and now, people who take on the mighty Coast to Coast will have a new monument to mark their achievement upon reaching the shore in Tynemouth. I hope this encourages more and more people to explore the cycle routes we are building, and enjoy our spectacular coastline, historic landscapes and vibrant urban trails."
Inspired by the community
Our team worked with local community groups to help inspire Ray’s designs.
As part of the community engagement work, members of Cullercoats Methodist Art Group came up with designs celebrating the area’s heritage, for the back panel of the bench.
Young people from Tynemouth Sea Scouts, Cubs and Beavers groups also contributed their ideas about travelling an imagined bike journey.
Local writing group the Linskill Scribblers inspired a poem for the back panel of the sculpture.
The local community contributed words and artwork for the bench design. PHOTO: Destination North East England
Our Network Development and Engagement Manager Danny Morris said:
“We’re really excited to unveil Ray’s new artwork. Tynemouth is a significant location for the National Cycle Network, with six long-distance routes passing through it.
“The new sculpture will help establish Tynemouth as a go-to destination and encourage visitors to stay longer in the town.”
Strategic location
The six National Cycle Network routes that meet in Tynemouth are:
• Coast to Coast (Whitehaven - Tynemouth)
• The Reivers Route (Tynemouth - Whitehaven)
• Hadrian's Cycleway (NCN 72)
• National Cycle Network route 1 (NCN1)
• Coast and Castles (Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed)
• North Sea Cycle Route (Eurovelo 12)
Destination North East England hopes the sculpture will help to inspire more people to saddle up and explore the region on wheels or on foot.
Laura Freer, Assistant Director of Visitor Economy at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, the lead body for Destination North East England, said:
"It’s fantastic to see this striking new sculpture come to life, shaped by the local community and symbolising our commitment to active travel.
"I’m confident it will become a focal point for visitors to Tyneside and beyond and we hope it inspires even more people to choose sustainable, regenerative ways to explore everything we have to offer in the region.”
The Destination Development Partnership is also funding a corridor of e-bike charging points at key landmarks and attractions along the coast from Durham to Northumberland.
An information board and QR code adjacent to the artwork provides details about the local walking, wheeling and cycling network.