Teesdale Queen's Jubilee arch made entirely of sheep fleeces

The interesting project, which found its way on to farmland in Upper Teesdale, has seen its fair share of visitors coming to explore it out of intrigue and mystery.

If you haven’t already paid it a visit – it might be worth making the effort to head out before it gets dismantled later this month.

Read more: Why there's a huge arch on the Teesdale landscape in County Durham

While the lack of information on the arch has added to its mysterious charm, The Northern Echo has got all the answers to why it is currently in County Durham, who is behind the project and how long it will stay there.

What is this crazy design?

Measuring over 7-metres, the high ceremonial arch is the newest addition to the Teesdale countryside and stands in a hay meadow, clad in the fleece of local Swaledale sheep.

Who is behind the arch?

Finding its way onto the Teesdale landscape at the end of last week, the project was the brainchild of farming group UTASS and environmental artist, Steve Messam, who worked alongside a team of local people, partners, and contractors to create the Jubilee Arch; a unique celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The arch measures seven metres and is made entirely out of sheep fleeces. Picture: UTASS

Was it inspired by something already out there?

Yes and no. It was influenced by arches built for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee over 120 years ago.

For Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 villages, towns and cities across the UK and Commonwealth constructed celebratory arches to mark the historic occasion.

These were mostly temporary constructions made with a timber framework and covered in wood panels or fabric and decorated to celebrate the local communities.

One notable arch in Wickham in Buckinghamshire built their arch entirely from chairs in recognition of the furniture-making industry in the town.

A close up of the sheep fleeces and now the arch is seen from the road in Teesdale. Picture: UTASS.

To continue this tradition, the Upper Teesdale Jubilee Arch is clad in around 120 Swaledale sheep fleeces supplied by local farmers and sits within a wildflower meadow.

Where exactly is this arch?

The Jubilee Arch is located on the main footpath leading to Low Force Waterfall from Bowlees.

How long will it be there?

The Arch will be there for 16 days (May 27 to June 13), after which the entire structure will be removed, and all materials recycled or reused leaving no lasting marks on the protected landscape.

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What have the people behind the arch said about it so far?

Grace Crawford, from UTASS, said: “A fantastic group of people have come together to plan celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, representatives from lots of groups from across Middleton and the upper dale and we are thrilled to have been able to work with Steve Messam, as a local artist to develop something that is going to be a truly unique jubilee celebration inspired by upper Teesdale and the story of local hill farming.”

Has it received any backlash?

Surprisingly, yes. On social media, one Twitter user wrote: “It looks like a budget entrance to a budget theme park,” while another added: “I can’t quite tell what it’s meant to be – it’s bizarre.”

However, they have been in the minority, and it has gained a lot of praise online.

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