'Waves' makes a fitting new landmark for seaside resort

Published Monday, 25th June 2018

AN EXCITING new landmark has been unveiled on Seaton Carew seafront as part of a major project to revitalise the Hartlepool seaside resort.

‘Waves’, a three metre high sculpture at Seaton Reach on the Seaton Carew promenade, features a circular element made up of steel plus sea glass suspended in a cast resin form which frames the view out to sea.

The artwork was commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council and is part of its ongoing £1.3m project to revitalise the Seaton Carew seafront with funding including £600,000 from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund, which will shortly see the completion of a new outdoor leisure area further along the prom.

Waves

Local youngsters who collected sea glass to create 'Waves' took part in its unveiling

‘Waves’ has been created by Hartlepool artist Stuart Langley, who works in light, neon and glass and whose projects have included commissions for Durham’s Lumiere Festival. He was chosen by public vote last year and worked with local children to collect the sea glass from local beaches.

He said: “I wanted the piece to have a poignant presence reflecting both the physical waves of the nearby sea and the waves of industrial, cultural and social change which have swept through Hartlepool.

“I particularly enjoyed working alongside the local children and I hope their involvement not only instils a sense of pride and ownership in the work but also encourages them to consider the realities of a future career in the creative industries.”

The unveiling was performed by the Leader of the Council Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher and the Chair of the Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, Councillor Kevin Cranney.

Councillor Cranney said: “’Waves’ is an attractive and striking new addition to Hartlepool’s cultural landscape and the choice of materials fittingly reflects the town’s strong industrial and maritime heritage.

Councillor Akers-Belcher added: “Together with our ‘Boy and Bicycle’ sculpture which we unveiled on the same day in Church Street, it will help to connect through public art these two key areas of Hartlepool.

“I am especially delighted that young people in Hartlepool have been involved in creating ‘Waves’, giving them a real sense of ownership and creating a landmark which will have special meaning for generations to come.”

Coastal Communities Minister Jake Berry said: “Backed by the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund, seaside towns and villages throughout the UK are being transformed into world-class tourist destinations creating jobs and growth while attracting visitors from across the globe.

“I am proud that our Coastal Communities Fund has helped support this impressive and poignant new landmark which also pays homage to the town’s rich maritime history.”