Decision on Sunderland's Shipbuilding Heritage Sculptures Set for Today

Plans for new sculptures honoring Sunderland's shipbuilding heritage are set to be reviewed by the Sunderland City Council's planning committee on September 30, 2023. These sculptures will be integrated into the existing Sculpture Trail, which has been a part of the city for over thirty years. The artworks aim to celebrate Sunderland's historical significance as a shipbuilding hub while also addressing the decline of this industry and the closure of local shipyards. Two of the sculptures are designed by renowned North East artist Ray Lonsdale, featuring scenes that depict the daily lives of shipyard workers. The first piece, 'It Says Here,' illustrates two workers sharing a lunch break, while the second, 'Launch Day,' portrays a young girl listening to her grandfather recounting stories of the shipyards. The third sculpture, 'Molly,' created by Dr. Ron Lawson, pays tribute to the often-overlooked contributions of female shipyard workers during World War II. The initiative is supported by the Sunderland branch of the Soroptimists, an organization dedicated to empowering women and girls. The sculptures will be strategically placed along the riverside walkway, enhancing the cultural landscape of the area and providing educational insights into the city's maritime history. The planning committee's decision will determine whether these public art pieces will be installed later this year, further enriching Sunderland's artistic and historical narrative.