Art and the Crematorium
The Crematorium has had a strong link with art since it was completed in 1960. The Architect Percival J. Chaplin used a number of Art works within his building, notably a Dove of Peace on the wall by the exit doorway, extensive use of etched glass and the highly decorative screen separating the chapel from the Book of Remembrance room which uses a number of different types of glass.
A decorative sculpture representing a “Stairway to Heaven” was donated anonymously in the mid 1980’s.
Spirit of Hope
In September 2004, a local retired teacher and artist, Adrian Pearce, contacted the Crematorium Registrar to ask if there was any possibility of a large sculpture of an Angel being relocated to a suitable position within the Crematorium grounds.
In 1972, Adrian Pearce was commissioned to create a sculpture of an Angel for The Mission to Seamen at Wilton on Teesside. The Sculpture was cold cast and formed the focal point of the building until it was closed. The impressive work of Art was then moved to The Seafarers Mission in Hull, where it proudly remained until that building too closed early in 2004. The sculpture was after 32 years returned to Adrian Pearce and hence his quest to find a new and permanent home for his wonderful artwork.
Agreement was reached and arrangements were made by the Crematorium Registrar to have the sculpture - to be known as “The Spirit of Hope” - restored to its original condition. This work was carried out by a local Durham Company, Merlin Coachworks Ltd.
The Spirit of Hope was installed on a wall overlooking the Crematorium Gardens of Remembrance on 5th May 2005. The sculpture has been very well received by visitors to the Crematorium with the message of its name inspiring those who come across it on a visit to the Crematorium.
Sadly, Adrian Pearce died on 1st February 2007, but his work of Art will remain as a permanent tribute to his memory.
The Reverend Tom Thubron
In the Crematorium Chapel can be seen, high on the wall which faces the altar, a large original Acrylic Painting entitled “Enlightenment from Darkness into Light”, painted and donated in 2006 after a period in an exhibition.
This vibrant and striking Work of Art was painted for the Crematorium having been commissioned by the Registrar from the Artist, Tom Thubron.
The Reverend Tom Thubron was Vicar at St Giles Church, Gilesgate until his retirement in 1998. Tom, who has many talents, enrolled on an Arts Degree Course at Sunderland University and was pleased to be able to produce this iconic painting which he very generously donated to the Crematorium.
Tom has also painted in 2007, a series of five acrylic paintings - called “Reflections” - especially for the waiting room where they are proudly displayed as well as a series of three larger acrylic paintings which are to be found in the exit foyer of the Crematorium (2008). All of Tom’s works have been widely admired and Tom himself is a regular visitor to the Crematorium.
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