ARTIST Lynda Nelson watched yesterday as the first of what will be millions of people admired her latest artwork.
Lynda has painted three 6ft-wide former marine buoys which have been sited at the north end of the newly-refurbished Tyne Tunnel.
The buoys, which were unveiled yesterday, will serve as a welcoming gateway feature to North Tyneside.
Lynda has painted scenes to reflect the North Tyneside coast, such as Tynemouth Priory, St Mary’s Lighthouse and surfers. They will be seen by the thousands of drivers a day who use the tunnel.
Lynda, who lives in Jarrow, South Tyneside, was inspired by old railway posters which were used to entice people to particular destinations.
She studied illustration at Sunderland University and has painted a number of large-scale murals.
She said: “I am really happy with the way the buoys have turned out and how it has gone from small, original drawings to something so big. They should serve as a good introduction to North Tyneside and all it has to offer.
“It is amazing to think how many people will see them and I hope they’ll be enjoyed for years to come.
“I live near the tunnel and quite often drive through to go to Tynemouth station market, so I will see them myself.”
The £15,000 art scheme is a joint project involving North Tyneside Council and Tyne Tunnel operator TT2.
North Tyneside mayor Linda Arkley said: “I’m delighted we’re giving motorists an extra special welcome as they arrive in North Tyneside.
“These buoys have been expertly painted and will help reinforce the fact that our borough is the gateway to an amazing coastline.
“They also support my commitment to regenerating our coastal areas by investing £1m every year for the next three years.”
Trevor Jackson, managing director of TT2, said: “Our customers are delighted at the transformation to their daily lives since both tunnels have come into use.
“We’ve seen a rapid increase in traffic numbers but still no queues whatsoever. With this feel-good atmosphere at the Tyne Tunnels the new artwork is the perfect finishing touch to buoy people for their onward journeys into North Tyneside.”
Lynda painted the buoys at Northern Protective Coatings in Bill Quay, Gateshead, where they were shot-blasted and cleaned.
We’ve seen a rapid increase in traffic numbers but still no queues whatsoever
