Passing Through And Paddle Gate

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?