County Durham Pins and Buttons
Description: A war-weary Tommy sits thoughtfully, head bowed, rifle in hand, as he reflects upon the sheer horror of World War One during the first minute after peace was declared in 1918. This imposing metal sculpture, entitled 1101, owing to the fact the armistice went into effect at 11am on November 11, 1918, stands 9ft 5ins tall and weighs 1.2 tonnes. Built out of special corteen steel, it has been installed on Seaham seafront in Country Durham to mark the centenary of the start of the Great War. Created by local artist Ray Lonsdale, the sculpture is also intended to represent Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which many of the returning soldiers endured.
Description: The old Chemical Beach located at Seaham Harbour on the North East Coast of England. Once a thriving mining and chemical industry used the sea as a dumping ground for waste products. The landscape on the seashore was altered giving an almost alien appearance - and has been used for movie scenes in the film Alien. The colouring with the full moon has been used to enhance the otherworldly image.
