Seal - Middlesbrough, UK - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com

The River Tees flows from Cross Fell in the North Pennines to the North Sea between Hartlepool and Redcar near Middlesbrough.

Since Victorian times the lower reaches of the river near Middlesbrough and the mouth of the river at the North Sea have been heavily industrialised and polluted especially from iron and steel factories and ship building.

However in recent times much of the industry has declined leading to cleaner water in the river.

At one time seals used to swim upstream from the sea and bask on rocks at the side of the river but stopped doing this due to the pollution.

However since the river has now become cleaner seals have returned and from time to time can now be seen.

This sculpture of a seal made from metal on steel celebrates both the shipbuilding heritage of the River Tees and that the river is cleaner so that the seals have returned.

At this point a cycle and walking path is alongside the river giving easy access to the sculpture. This path shares part of the routes of National Cycle Network route 1, The England Coast Path National Trail, The Teesdale Way and the Eight Bridges Way so is seen by many people using these trails as well as locals.

The sculpture is part of The Iron Masters Trail and the Tees Sculpture Trail.

The Iron Masters Trail is a short series of points of interest around this local area in relation to the history of iron in the area.

The Tees Sculpture Trail is a much large trail featuring 25 artworks along the length of the River Tees, each inspired by its location.

Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Ship Seal Figure Type: Animal Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Steve Tomlinson Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 2020 Materials used: Metal on Steel Location: Bank of the River Tees

Visit Instructions:
Please upload at least one photo you have personally taken of the sculpture and tell us a little about your impressions of the piece. Additional photos are always appreciated.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.