The St. Peter's Riverside Sculpture Trail in Sunderland stands as a testament to the city's rich maritime heritage, featuring a collection of 17 artworks that guide visitors along the scenic route from the city center to Roker. Originally created over a decade-long period from 1991 to 2001, this ambitious project was brought to life through the collaboration of sculptor Colin Wilbourn and writer Chaz Brenchley, resulting in 13 original artworks that honor the city's storied past.
The trail has continued to evolve over the years, with new additions enhancing its artistic and historical significance. This year alone, three large-scale sculptures have joined the collection, bringing fresh perspectives to the riverside walkway. These new installations complement the existing works while adding contemporary voices to the ongoing narrative of Sunderland's industrial and cultural legacy.
Starting from the seafront end of the trail, visitors encounter "High Tide" at Roker Harbor, which serves as the dramatic beginning of the artistic journey. This sculpture, designed and created by Karl Fisher with assistance from Colin Wilbourn and Craig Knowles, was actually the final piece produced for the original trail. The artwork features seven hemispheres strategically positioned on the harbor rocks, each representing different phases of the moon. Writer Chaz Brenchley added poignant words around the rim of each hemisphere, creating a lyrical connection between the natural cycles of the moon and the eternal relationship between Sunderland and the sea.
As visitors continue their journey around to Roker Marina, they'll discover the subtle beauty of the "Stone Stair Carpet," a work that can easily be overlooked but rewards careful observation. This installation, carved by Colin Wilbourn from reclaimed sandstone, descends gracefully into the water like a traditional patterned stair carpet. The artistic genius lies in its gradual transformation as the steps approach the seawater, with the domestic carpet pattern slowly morphing into images of seaweed and chains, symbolizing the transition from land to sea and the industrial heritage of the area.
One of the most significant recent additions to the trail is "Molly," which arrived on St. Peter's Riverside in January. Created by Dr. Ron Lawson, this life-size statue holds special significance as it honors the women who played crucial roles in keeping Sunderland's shipyards operational during both world wars. Positioned outside the National Glass Centre, Molly represents one of the few sculptures in the area that depicts a female figure, addressing a historical gap in the recognition of women's contributions to the city's industrial success.
Another major addition to the collection is "It Says Here," one of two significant new works created by artist Ray and unveiled on St. Peter's Riverside this year. This towering sculpture, standing at an impressive 2.7 meters high, captures a poignant moment in Sunderland's history through its depiction of two shipyard workers sharing their lunch break. The sculpture shows these workers reading about the closure of the shipyards in the Sunderland Echo, effectively freezing in time the complex emotions and sense of loss that permeated the city as its defining industry came to an end.
The St. Peter's Riverside Sculpture Trail continues to serve as both an artistic destination and a historical journey, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with Sunderland's maritime legacy while enjoying contemporary artistic interpretations. As the collection grows and evolves, it maintains its mission of connecting the community with its past while inspiring future generations to appreciate both the city's industrial heritage and its ongoing cultural renaissance.
