A beloved seal sculpture on a roundabout in Coatham, near Redcar, has partially collapsed, prompting urgent calls from local residents for immediate restoration work. The incident occurred on Tuesday, marking a sad milestone for the community art installation that has become a cherished landmark in the town.
The Coatham seals have served as a much-loved feature of the community since three of the sculptures were first installed in 2011. A fourth seal was later added to the collection in 2017, creating a complete set that has captivated both residents and visitors. However, years of weathering have taken their toll on the sculptures, causing them to deteriorate and rot until one finally succumbed to the elements this week.
Local resident Neil Baldwin, who has been closely monitoring the condition of the sculptures, expressed concern about the long-standing signs of deterioration. "Obviously they haven't been maintained for a while," Baldwin said, noting that the collapsed seal has "disintegrated" after showing signs of rot for years. The seals hold special meaning for the community, as residents regularly decorate them throughout the year, making them an interactive and evolving piece of public art.
All four sculptures were originally created by artist Steve Iredale, and Redcar Council has now reached out to him to explore what repair work can be undertaken. The timing of the restoration efforts has taken on added significance due to an upcoming film project that centers around the iconic seals.
Coatham councillor Carl Quartermain revealed that a new film called "Four Seals" is currently in development, inspired by the sculptures themselves. "We know our much-loved seals on Coatham roundabout are looking a little poorly at the moment, with one sadly collapsing and the others showing their age," Quartermain explained. "We're working with Neil Bates, former Regent Cinema manager, on his new film project Four Seals which is inspired by them, and we're in touch with the original artist Steve Iredale to look at repairs."
The urgency of the situation extends beyond the collapsed sculpture, as Baldwin warned that the remaining three seals face a similar fate without intervention. "It would be nice if the remaining three were saved from a similar fate. At least one of the others is showing signs of rot now too," he cautioned. The community's attachment to these sculptures and their deteriorating condition highlights the ongoing challenges faced by outdoor public art installations exposed to the elements over extended periods.
