Germination Sculptures, Portrack Marsh
Art In Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Huge plant shoots created by Andrew McKeown from Corten Steel.
My brother and I were on an adventure to seek out barrages and vertical lift bridges and on route we goggled at an installation called Germination. We were skirting around Portrack Marsh, a Site of Special Scientific Importance near the River Tees, somewhere between Middlesbrough and Stockton. It was a gloomy day, but my brother had much to say to keep us buoyed on the way.
The creator of Germination is Andrew McKeown (Born 1970), who is also known for Jewels of the sea, Seaham, and Organisms Saltburn by the sea. You may notice his work often features several similar pieces, as Andrew says, “I have created families of artworks.”
There are 7 sculptures, and school children from Stockton were encouraged by Andrew to add their input. The Tees Wildlife Trust were on hand for funding as they manage the site. It was installed in 2005.
There are some photos that Andrew has permitted us to use, showing the original concept
I asked if he expected the area to become naturally overgrown. Andrew said
“I wasn't planning for this but I wasn't expecting a lawn either.”
Here are some of his photos when it was nicer.
The seven rusted steel sculptures comprising 'Germination' appear to be growing out of the ground at the entrance to Portrack Meadows Wildlife Park. With a modest budget these fabricated Core ten steel sculpture of plant shoots rise up like the nearby cooling towers from the earth below. The sculptures aim to signify the importance of preserving and promoting wildlife alongside and within areas dominated by industry.
Andrew McKeown Website
Like the Ray Lonsdale sculptures, these are also made out of Corten Steel.
You may fancy exploring the park, and if like me, a little curious as to the name Portrack, then here is an explanation.
Remarkably, Portrack Marsh has survived relatively undisturbed at the centre of urban Teesside. Maps from the end of the last century show marsh covering some 25 hectares - much larger than it is today. A loop of the River Tees twisting around its northern edge allowed ships to reach port at Stockton. These ships had to be dragged upriver by horses - a process known as 'racking', hence the name 'Port Rack'. In 1830, excavations cut across this tortuous loop to save significant sailing time between the North Sea and Stockton's quays.
Tees Wildlife Trust
Get 2 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 9 VIPs.
Login to bag this placeHelp fuel the next adventure
Fabulous North is free, with no annoying adverts and fuelled by an unhealthy desire to poke around castles, hills, churches and suspicious-looking bits of stone.
If you enjoy what we do, you can help keep us exploring.
Champion This Place
Got a special memory of Germination Sculptures Portrack Marsh, a story to tell or simply a soft spot for it? Champion Germination Sculptures Portrack Marsh and we'll add your name, photo and a short message to this page, while your support helps us keep Fabulous North exploring.
How To Find Germination Sculptures Portrack Marsh
Where Is Germination Sculptures Portrack Marsh?
Show Place On Google MapsLat / Long
54.572324, -1.268485
What three words
Where To Park For Germination Sculptures Portrack Marsh?
You can park right next to the sculptures. There are some river walks in the area too.
Contributed by Rosalind Parker
Thank you for reading. I hope it sparks your interest. It’s always a pleasure to get out and explore, whatever the weather. I enjoy uncovering little snippets of information, especially when they’re obscure, amusing, or meaningful. All photos were taken on a mobile phone.
More Places from Rosalind
More Places In Middlesbrough
Find more fabulous places in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
Gisborough Priory
Religious Place Middlesbrough North YorkshireA ruinous Augustinian Priory in Guisborough, North Yorkshire.
Dorman Museum
Museum Middlesbrough North YorkshireEdwardian Gothic-style museum, featuring local and natural history displays and a ceramics collection.
More Art
So this art wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Thornton Court Pig and Mushrooms
Art Newcastle City Centre Tyne And WearSteel Truffle Pigs and Mushroom Statues hidden in Newcastle Centre by the Men of Steel blacksmith Graeme Hopper.
Kelton The Belted Galloway
Art Dumfries And Galloway ScotlandKelton is a larger than life willow likeness of a Belted Galloway Bull. Also known as 'Keltie the Beltie', keeping an eye on the community in Castle Douglas, South West Scotland.
Souter Johnnie
Art Selkirk ScotlandA sculpture sitting on the gable end of a house in Selkirk commemorating the history and heritage of the shoemaking industry in this small Scottish town.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To Alerts
Find Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook GroupGermination Sculptures Portrack Marsh was listed in Art // North Yorkshire // Middlesbrough