Work Begins On Interactive Whitby Sculpture Trail

September 23, 2023 2:10 pm

Work has begun on a £55,000 arts and economic project to create a sculpture trail to guide visitors around the streets and alleyways of Whitby.

The Examiner reports that the Walking with Heritage development will feature seven life-size sculptures that depict Whitby’s fishing industry heritage. The sculptures will be created by local artist Emma Stothard and installed throughout the west side of the town in early 2021.

The first sculpture was officially unveiled by local fisherman, William Hall and Mayor of Whitby, Cllr Linda Wild, and depicts a fisherman’s wife with baskets full of fish, and has been installed on the west side of the swing bridge.

One the development is completed, the trail will guide people Whitby Swing Bridge, up to Golden Lion Bank and Flowergate, along Skinner Street and down Kyber Pass, to the conclusion at the bandstand on Pier Road.

The family-friendly trail will guide visitors around some of the lesser-explored areas of Whitby and provide support to local businesses in those areas. There will also be an app that will accompany the trail, which will provide directions, a map, and details about each sculpture, as well as photos and audio clips from retired fishermen.

Matthew Joseph, the Community Regeneration Manager, said: “When the trail is complete, not only will it tell people more about Whitby’s rich history through sculpture, it will help to transfer some footfall to the less-visited parts of the town, allowing people to explore the many high-quality businesses in those areas.”

There are currently plans for a second phase of the project, which will include lesser frequented areas of the east side of the town.

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