Stone Stair Carpet

Stairs In Sunderland, Tyne And Wear

Stone steps with a geometric pattern depicting local heritage.

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As you stroll around Sunderland Marina, you may think of the Stone Step Carpet for yacht owners to embark and disembark their vessels. They go back to the days when this area was a thriving dockyard.

The creator is Colin Wilbourn, who was the lead sculptor on the St. Peter's Trail, which began in 1991, and is still being added to as of 2025.

'STONE STAIRCARPET'

Gritstone New steps at the old North Dock in Sunderland to replace the worn out originals. This had been a working harbour and these steps had been well used, but now the Dock is a Marina and with housing instead of workshops. It has become domesticated, so it seems logical that the new steps reflect this.

Colin Wilbourn Website

These steps are engraved with a geometric pattern depicting chains and ropes from the industries that were in the area. They then descend to the green seaweed. which is essential in the aquatic food chain, providing nutrients to marine organisms. At the bottom of the steps, the seaweed is black, which can produce harmful toxins.

I had read there was a pair of wellies as part of the installation and asked Colin about them.

To answer your question: Yes there was a pair of stone wellies at the bottom of the steps and a pair of town shoes at the top! They were supposed to symbolise the change from a work place to domestic dwellings. The sea took the wellies ( never underestimate it's power!) and the shoes got damaged quite badly so we removed them.

Colin Wilbourn

It would be marvellous if anyone has any photographs of the footwear, and would like to share.

My thanks to Lorraine London for providing these photographs

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How To Find Stone Stair Carpet

Where Is Stone Stair Carpet?

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Lat / Long

54.917974, -1.364091

What three words

toxic.desire.goal

Where To Park For Stone Stair Carpet?

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Lat / Long

54.920265, -1.363856

What three words

appeal.pounds.brief

Parking available at Harbour View car park.

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.

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