Street statue brings 'Joy' to new homes’ residents
Washington has welcomed a new resident, in the shape of a poignant statue marking completion of one of the area’s first new-build housing schemes.
Named ‘Joy’ by residents, the new sculpture is in Albert Place, Washington – one of a number of new schemes being built by Sunderland City Council as part of its £59m Housing Delivery Investment Plan (HDIP).
Joy was sculpted by local artist Dr Ron Lawson, and is the first of a series of public artworks that will appear at new housing developments on Wearside.
Depicting a small schoolgirl with an umbrella in her hand, the sculpture has been warmly received by residents.
Made from steel, the piece was created by Dr Lawson, who was inspired by the history of the site – which overlooks Washington Old School, which itself is set to become a new supported community for vulnerable residents.
He said: “It’s nerve-wracking unveiling a piece of community art because you just never know what the reaction will be, but it’s been fantastic to see the reception the piece has had and that the community have really taken her to their hearts very quickly.”
The bungalows at Albert Place deliver accessible living for vulnerable residents and those with disabilities.
The Homes Englandbacked development was
completed last month, with four fully-adapted bungalows having been constructed by Tolent, creating much-needed one-storey accommodation.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, dynamic city cabinet member
at Sunderland City Council, said: “Every scheme we develop as part of this HDIP will feature community art and we’re looking to work with local artists to ensure that the commissions we undertake deliver maximum value to our creative businesses and people.
“Joy is bringing just that to the local community. We’re delighted at the warm welcome Joy has had and look forward to bringing more new high-quality homes, and attractive public art, to the city.”
He added: “Public artworks give us communities people can be proud of as well as supporting the development of creative industries in the city."