Spirit of South Shields
Art In South Shields, Tyne And Wear
Bronze statue close to the River Tyne, depicting the history of South Shields.
Hidden amongst the houses, Spirit of South Shields was created by Irene Brown and put in place near Captain's Wharf in 2000. 24 years on she still looks brand new and I can't believe I've just discovered her.
Irene Brown is a Professor of Contemporary Art Practice at Newcastle University and a site-specific installationist. You may have seen some of her other sculptures before, which include 'Paperwork' at Wansbeck Business Park and 'Racing Ahead' in Stockton. Close to The Spirit of South Shields, Irene Brown has also created a collection of steel ships called 'Fleet'. Somehow, bizarrely, I didn't spot the ships when I visited so if anyone more observant has any pictures of 'Fleet', we would love to see them.
Spirit of South Shields is made from bronze and depicts a woman with the stars and moon in her hair. There is a lot of movement in the sculpture and it really feels like the wind is howling towards her. There are a few beautiful bronze, miniature sculptures by her feet too which represent the history of South Shields. These sculptures include tiny versions of Arbeia Roman Fort, the Old Town Hall and one of my faves, Herd Groyne Lighthouse.
A lovely sculpture to see if you're in the area, and you can bag yourself a few more points for the FN leaderboard if you pop and visit the Dolly Peel Statue, a 10 minute walk away.
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How To Find Spirit of South Shields
Where Is Spirit of South Shields?
Lat / Long
55.000337, -1.440016
What three words
Where To Park For Spirit of South Shields?
Lat / Long
54.996806, 54.996806
What three words
I parked up for free at The Word and had a wander along the riverside.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
More Places from Sandra
More Places In South Shields
Find more fabulous places in South Shields, Tyne And Wear and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
South Shields Lifeboat Memorial
Statue South Shields Tyne And WearA monument built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee and also celebrate William Wouldhave and Henry Greathead, two of the people credited with the design of the first self-righting lifeboat.
Conversation Piece
Art South Shields Tyne And WearA sculpture comprising 22 bronze figures by Juan Muñoz near South Shields beach.
Mill Dam and Customs House
Building South Shields Tyne And WearAn urban conservation area, with grand buildings, cobbled lanes, River Tyne views, and a few pubs.
More Art
So this art wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Spiral Nebula
Art Newcastle City Centre Tyne And WearA striking piece of post-war public art by renowned sculptor Geoffrey Clarke.
The Portrait Bench
Art Bedlington NorthumberlandA metal sculpted bench portraying three notable people from the Bedlington area.
Born Free Lions
Art Newcastle City Centre Tyne And Wear25 bronze lion sculptures by artists Gillie and Marc, temporarily on display in Exhibition Park.
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