Then Gone (George)

You should find plenty to see besides the sea in Seaham. The industrialised workings have gone along with the grime, waste and ill health that they caused, but the camaraderie remains. There is pride in the past, but now the town is smarter and the coast has been cleaned. It has been given a new lease of life as Seaham has become a pleasant Seaside town to visit. The heritage is acknowledged and there are many references to the three mines that were once the heart of the area.

Ray Lonsdale was commissioned by the owner of Bells Restaurants, Graham Kennedy, to construct this super head which is called Then Gone. Graham had originally wanted a life-size miner modelled on his father, who worked down one of the local pits. Ray, however, reassured that this sculpture would get heads turning, and as a commercial venture, would benefit the restaurant too.

The statue is officially named Then Gone, but tends to be George. is a creative collaboration by Father and son, Ray and Sam Lonsdale, and by George, "Who's a big 'ed!" It is a 7 x life-size sculpture and rests outside Bells Fish and Chip Restaurant.

The building was formerly a Barclays Bank and has been transformed into a restaurant with a mining theme. You'll see a top wheel and a coal cart inside. There is also a takeaway.

During a visit to the TwoRedRubberThings (Rays' Trade name) workshop, I had the opportunity to ask Ray and Sam about their collaboration.

They both use the Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding method. Ray has chosen his because he says:

"It is quicker, easier, and can be used one-handed."

I didn't think for one minute think it was easy. Calculations have to be made and science applied. There could be 2 miles of welding on the helmet alone!

This is a photo of when our Advent winners Debra and Terry, had a visit to The Tworedrubberthings workshop

There is so much detail here. George has an Adam's apple, and you can see the stitching on his vest. Look at those eyes! Can you see the two red rubber dots that Ray 'hides' on most of his creations? Clue, look at the bottom of the lamp.

Nearby are some railway tracks. This land was part of the railway line system, which formed a terminal point to the historical North Dock.

As with Mr. Lonsdale's works, there is a poem and this one has a resonating rhythm.

If you are wondering what George is looking at, it is the North Sea, and passing traffic

There are many other art installations to see in this area; check the Fabulous North Map.