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> For more information on local culture
in South Tyneside visit www.southtyneside.info/culture.
>
Find out how tourism is being developed with the Council's Tourism Strategy.
This is the largest public art programme in Britain,
consisting of a trail around Newcastle,
Sunderland,
North
Tyneside, South
Tyneside and Gateshead. The trail features works
of art by local and major international artists. Within
South Tyneside fourteen pieces of art are located along
the riverside, including the three major works the Conversation
Piece, Landing Lights and the Spirit of South Shields.
Conversation Piece
Created by acclaimed Spanish sculptor, Juan Munoz
in 1999. The 22 bronze life size figures command a superb
view of South Shields harbour and the Tyne Piers, while
greeting visitors from land and sea. They converse with
each other, with those that come to meet them and in
turn become the subject of conversation. Each figure
weighs approximately a quarter of a tonne and stands
1.5 metres high. [ view
panorama ]
Landing Lights
 By
Martin Richman is a beacon of coloured lights towering
above the South Shields Ferry Landing. This eye-catching
artwork is a visual reminder of the importance of the
river and its links to local communities.
Spirit of South Shields
 The
Spirit holds a sailing ship in one arm while raising
the other to greet the future. She is a protector guiding
the ships through the seas safely. She stands on a relief
of South Shields - a firm foundation in the past and
present, which is represented and orientated by the
model buildings. She stands strong and optimistic, unafraid
by the winds of change - the figurehead for South Shields
Future.
Fleet
 Fleet by Irene Brown is a collection of seven stainless
steel collier ships in full sail set in the water
of Market Dock, overlooking the River Tyne at South
Shields. The brightly polished ships reflect patterns
of both moving sky and water and give the impression
of a fleet heading out to sea.
Ferry Approach
 Ferry Approach by
Bruce McLean addresses the stark nature of the 1950's
and 60's architecture in the
underpass leading from the riverside ferry landing
to the Market Place in South Shields. The work consists
of a large metal gateway frame, metal girders and
grid work for the underpass ceilings and floor, which
gives the passer by an impression of walking through
a ship under construction. The piece provides echoes
of the riverside's once thriving shipbuilding and
ship repair industry and provides an impressive gateway
to the town centre. The metal constructions are robust
and highly coloured providing a fresh dynamic to
the surrounding buildings including the new development
apartments called 'The Landings'.
Old Town Hall
 Old Town Hall by Martin
Richman complements the 'Landing Lights' artwork he completed
for the nearby South
Shields Ferry Landing. The new lighting scheme for
the historic Old Town Hall is the centrepiece of
the market Place in South Shields.
Martin's intervention enhances the appearance of the
landmark Georgian building and creates a 'beacon' of
blue, white and peach light to be enjoyed by the public.
The artist believes that by lighting this well loved
historic landmark, people will take a fresh look at
the space as a place of welcome, a destination point,
a meeting place and a focus for the centre of South
Shields.
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