Passing Through And Paddle Gate
Art In Sunderland, Tyne And Wear
Sculptures made from concrete, glass, and metal depicting heritage by a posh marina.
Love this place? Become its champion with a short message, memory, dedication, or local business mention and share your connection to somewhere special.
Support the Fabulous North and champion this place for:
Usually £10
When strolling around Sunderland Marina, after disembarking from your cruiser where you have just come back from the Côte d'Azur, you may enquire about some creative installations on the quayside.
My first question was, What are the oars for? Well, the plaque on the wall tells you (Sunderland Canoe Club). I guess the club closed for the Sunderland Marina to be built in 1994. There are a few galvanised metal installations to commemorate the club, including the Paddle Gate.
Passing Through is an installation featuring two concrete doors that are easily visible, and upon closer inspection, a third portal becomes apparent.
The old joke 'Knock knock, who's there? Dr. Dr. Who?' Springs to mind, and then the question of why doors? It is to represent the past, present, and future, The past door is in the wall and requires a specific angle to view it. Looking through the keyhole, you will see a sailing ship.
The present door is accessible, and going through a door has many translations/meanings/symbolism. The aim may be transportation to a better being.
Passing Through was installed in 1997 and there is some nice stained glasswork with nautical themes.
The future door still looks like a door. It is going into the wall and is inaccessible. The stained glass window may be an apocalyptic sunset?
This is part of a heritage trail that started in 1991 and features approximately 15 installations, with recent additions made in 2025. A quartet of artists created the first batch. They are: sculptor Colin Wilbourn, wood working artist Karl Fisher, blacksmith Craig Knowles, and writer Chaz Brenchley
My thanks to Fabulous Northers Lorraine London and Jos Forester-Melville for their photos. Why not stretch your sea legs a bit more and go exploring?
Get 2 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 41 VIPs.
Login to bag this placeHow To Find Passing Through And Paddle Gate
Where Is Passing Through And Paddle Gate?
Lat / Long
54.919483, -1.368032
What three words
Where To Park For Passing Through And Paddle Gate?
Lat / Long
54.918405, -1.369393
What three words
On street parking available along Harbour View (A183).
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 Sunderland
Find more fabulous places in Sunderland, Tyne And Wear and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
St Peter's Church
Religious Place Sunderland Tyne And WearA Grade I listed building with origins dating back to the 7th century.
Meik's Lighthouse
Lighthouse Sunderland Tyne And WearA cast iron lighthouse set in Roker Cliff Park.
More Art
So this art wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
The Journey
Art Durham County DurhamA bronze sculpture depicting six monks transporting St Cuthbert's coffin in Durham City centre by Fenwick Lawson.
That Boat
Art Berwick Upon Tweed NorthumberlandA driftwood sculpture of a boat situated on the banks of the River Tweed in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
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 GroupPassing Through And Paddle Gate was listed in Art // Tyne And Wear // Sunderland