North East artist Ray Lonsdale is working with local people in Tynemouth to create a distinctive new steel sculpture celebrating long-distance cycle routes that converge on the town.
An initial sketch of the sculpture (figure for scale only)
We're inviting local residents and long-distance cyclists to contribute to the piece by taking part in our online survey.
We're working on the project with North Tyneside Council and Destination North East England.
The sculpture is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with support from the North East Combined Authority.
Artist Ray Lonsdale with 'Big Fella' in Silloth
Tourist attraction
Six long-distance cycle routes meet in Tynemouth. They attract thousands of visitors every year, from the UK and overseas.
Ray’s new artwork will be a large and visually-striking tourist attraction and photo opportunity.
The steel sculpture will include a 1.8 metre high bench and vintage bicycle. It will be located on the grass embankment just off Pier Road.
Local stories part of sculpture
Our team has been working with local people to gather stories and designs which will be included in the new piece.
Results from the online survey will also contribute to name of the sculpture, its orientation, and the interpretation panel.
'Herring Girl' by Ray Lonsdale
Ray is famous for his public artworks of large-scale steel sculptures such as Herring Girl in North Shields and 'Big Fella' in Silloth. He draws on his experience working in heavy industry in Sunderland.
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 want to try to make something that attracts interest and photo opportunities, and that relays a little of the history of the area.”
Appeal for long distance cycling stories
Danny Morris, our project coordinator said: “We’re excited to commission Ray to create this 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.
“Local people have contributed their experiences of long-distance cycling to incorporate into the artwork, as well as ideas about how Ray can link this to Tynemouth’s rich heritage, culture and environment.
“We’re looking to hear from long-distance cyclists about the orientation of the sculpture, content of the accompanying interpretation panel and potential improvements to the area immediately around the artwork if funding becomes available”.
Reducing carbon emissions
Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency and Cycling Champion, North Tyneside Council, said:
“Cycling is a key part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in North Tyneside.
"This new sculpture will not only celebrate the six long-distance cycle routes that converge in Tynemouth, but it will also inspire visitors and residents to engage with cycling as a mode of transport and recreation.
“We are thrilled to be part of this exciting project and look forward to seeing Ray’s stunning artwork come to life in such an iconic location.”
The current end/start marker in Tynemouth is away from the high street and often overlooked.
Community events
Sustrans organised a drop-in event alongside Ray. Local residents could ask questions about the new sculpture, and contribute ideas to the final piece.
During another event members of Cullercoats Methodist Art Group came up 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, will use their words to inspire a poem for the back panel of the sculpture.
The new sculpture will celebrate cycling, the local culture, heritage and natural environment of Tynemouth. The artwork will be close to the town’s business centre, to encourage visitors to spend locally.
Tynemouth's six routes
The six long distance routes that meet in Tynemouth include the Coast to Coast, the Reivers, Hadrian's Cycleway, Route 1, Coast and Castles (Newcastle to Berwick upon Tweed), and the North Sea Cycle Route (Eurovelo 12).
The routes are all part of the National Cycle Network.
If you are a local resident or long-distance cyclist please contribute to the survey.
We're working on the project with North Tyneside Council and Destination North East England.
The sculpture is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with support from the North East Combined Authority.
