Teamwork

However, the centrepiece of the exhibition is a replica Iron Age canoe which was carved by the True Lovers Walk volunteers from a washed-up tree and inspired by a prehistoric canoe found and lost 150 years ago, thought to be the earliest sign of life in the town. At night, the exhibition transforms into a public art installation, visible through the windows of the building, with the canoe seeming to float on a projected looping holographic film of the River Tees, referring to the numerous floods which have submerged Yarm High Street over the years.

Throughout a period of many, many months the replica canoe was carved by a dedicated team belonging to the True Lovers Walk volunteers lead by Anthony T Aherne who kindly provided, not only the work space within his own garden, but also the carpentry skills and equipment needed to re-create this impressive exhibition feature.