Sunderland Aquatic Centre’s new sculptures unveiled

Jun 26 2009 by David Whetstone, The Journal

The pair also had the idea that the mesh heads resembled the cages in which canaries were carried into the mines in the old days, the birds being sensitive to the presence of gas.

While the steel pieces were fabricated in Germany and imported to Sunderland, the surfacing and finishing work was carried out by North East firms.

Coun Tom Martin, deputy mayor of Sunderland, said at yesterday’s unveiling that he was a fan of Gateshead’s Angel of the North. “I’m sure this work will also become iconic,” he said.

Dancers Wayne Summerbell and Rebekah Waters, of Falling Cat dance company, performed in and around the sculpture to mark the unveiling.

Zoe Channing, assistant head of culture and tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: “Looking out, Facing in is part of a city-wide programme to develop art in public places. We are aiming to create a quality environment that will further boost Sunderland’s reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.”

Other artists are working on projects in Sunderland as part of a new public art strategy in the city.