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 the late Anthony 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.