Sheraton Park Sculptures

Within Sheraton Park, Durham University, you will find a trio of sculptures.

Student accommodation experts Alumno's commissioned the international sculptures. Matthew Jarratt from Brick Boat in Easington fame was the creative broker and developed the theme of international pilgrimage and journeys.

Three international artists from America, China, and Italy were asked to create the sculptures which these countries being chosen as they have strong links to Durham University.

The sculptures are named after these countries.

The first one reminds me of the EDF advert!

Flame by American artist Bruce Gernand (born 1949). It is ablaze with golden fire, inspired by the wild west.

Mr Gernand mentions the Native Americans and I did a bit of research. The Apache and Sioux Indians sometimes travelled 400 - 500 miles, following the seasons and food sources. They would use fire to make buffalo/bison hunting easier, as it would cause a barrier.

From China, Xiang Yang (born 1967) depicts a traditional Asian fishing boat, accompanied by a Zen house, which encompasses simplicity. There is a lightning bolt... Oh! It is the arrow of time.

Lastly, we have scallop shells, created by Italian Fabio Viale (born 1975), who works predominantly in marble. He has even made an art form out of rubble and tattooed his marble sculptures.

This piece is a nod to the pilgrims, and many may have seen the Camino de Santiago signs on their travels in this area. Over at Low Burnhall (Woodland Trust) there are a few way markers which I ignored, but now, I know.

From the Santiago website:

'Approximately 400,000 people walk the Camino de Santiago every year, which ends in the northwestern Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. In 2019, a 22-mile stretch of the Camino network (called the Camino Inglés) opened in County Durham, connecting the ruins of Finchale Priory to Escomb Saxon Church, passing Durham Cathedral, Auckland Castle and Binchester Roman Fort on the way.'

The three sculptures have a pleasing backdrop of a fine Douglas fir tree and Neville House which has been turned into accommodation for Ustinov College. It is one of 17 colleges making up Durham University. Exclusively for Post Graduates, and named after Sir Peter Ustinov (1921-2004), an internationally known raconteur and actor. He was Chancellor of Durham University in 1992.

Have a look at what else is around in Durham on the Fabulous North Map