Today's Objects of the Week are two new tributes to a North East city's distinguished past, created by one of the region's best known artists.

Two sculptures – which are currently in storage - will be positioned along the riverside in Sunderland, creating a community focal point and place for residents, workers and visitors to reflect on how the place has changed.

Both recall the city's shipbuilding heritage and will be placed to overlook the River Wear, after work concludes on a number of significant new developments that are underway on the north and south side of the river.

Read more: A life on the road as vintage Sunderland vehicle goes on display at Beamish

One is a large sculpture with two shipyard workers having their lunch together and captures the mood of people in the city as the industry came to the end of its life.

The final piece, Launch Day, features a little girl sat with her grandfather overlooking the River Wear, hearing stories of what it was like to work in the shipyards.

The Northern Echo: Launch Day, features a little girl sat with her grandfather overlooking the River Wear, hearing stories of what it was like to work in the shipyardsLaunch Day, features a little girl sat with her grandfather overlooking the River Wear, hearing stories of what it was like to work in the shipyards (Image: CREO COMMS)

They have been created by Ray Lonsdale, the man behind the city's Gan Canny sculpture. Since its installation into Sunderland’s regenerated Keel Square, Gan Canny has quickly won the affection of the city, a proud reminder of a bygone age when dray horses shuttled Vaux ale around the riverside brewery site.

“The reception that Gan Canny has had since it was installed has been really humbling for me,” said Ray, who spent 14 months creating the stunning piece, and a further 19 months for the other two sculptures.

“I have had countless messages from people saying how it makes them feel, and it means a lot. And I am looking forward to seeing what people think of the other two pieces when the time comes for us to get them into position too.

"They’re designed to unlock a sense of optimism for the future, but to make people feel proud too – of the heritage of the city.”

Like Gan Canny, Ray’s two other pieces will be made from corten steel. A layer of oxide will form over the pieces when their surfaces are exposed to the elements, producing a ‘rust-like’ coating that helps them blend into the environment and gives a sense of age.

The Northern Echo: This sculpture shows two shipyard workers having their lunch togetherThis sculpture shows two shipyard workers having their lunch together (Image: CREO COMMS)

“Just like Gan Canny the pieces should feel like they slot seamlessly into the landscape," said Ray.

"That they sit well alongside the new buildings that are taking shape. The blend of old and new, past and future, are really what Riverside Sunderland is about, so seeing the pieces in place will feel like a symbol of a city that can look back fondly at its past, as well as forward to its future.”

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Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said he believes the two additional pieces will be just as well received as Gan Canny.

“Gan Canny immediately resonated with the public and it’s amazing how the piece blends with the landscape, having only been in place a matter of months," he said. 

"Ray’s wonderful additional pieces will, no doubt, have the same impact with residents and visitors to the city, who – through the work – will learn more about the rich history of this industrious city.”