Aeolian Motion – the work of the late Phil Johnson – was installed in Stockton in 2001 near the River Tees (the exact location is on the map below). The name of the piece refers to the motion of the air, which moves the “leaves” of the sculpture into different positions, something I chanced to notice when sitting under it during the Stockton Fringe Festival with a warm beer many moons ago.
The artwork was inspired by the industrial heritage of Stockton and the River Tees, commissioned by Stockton Council as part of the Regeneration & Economic Development Gateway Initiative, and unveiled in March 2001.
Created by Phil and fellow workers at his firm P. Johnson & Company (one of the current partners – Pete Hill – kindly shared information and photographs, as well as delivering the sad news of Phil’s death 18 months ago), the main structure is made from galvanised steel painted with painted with micaceous iron oxide (Ratho Blue). The moving wands of the sculpture are stainless steel.
Beneath the sculpture is a plaque, detailing a potted history of the River Tees, including a mention of the legendary murderous water spirit of the Tees, Peg Powler (here referred to as ‘Meg’, which I’ve not heard before – any local folklorists heard this variation).
The plaque also displays a poem, written by Phil, which is shared below:
AEOLIAN MOTION
PHIL JOHNSON
EVER IN MOTION
DOWN IN THE VALLEY THE TEES FLOWS TOWARD THE SEA
UP HERE ON THE HILL THE WIND TUGS AT OUR HAIR
EVER IN MOTION
THE WATERS SWIRL ON BY DOWN IN THE VALLEY
AEOLIAN MOTION UP HERE DESCRIBE TO US
THE MODES OF THE DAY
EVER IN MOTION
THE RIVER FLOWS RELENTLESSLY ON
AND THE WIND KEEPS COMING ON
AEOLIAN MOTION IS RESPONDING
REACTING TO THE BREEZE AND THE GALE
CARVING ARCS AGAINST THE SKY
THE ELEMENTS, THEY ARE EVER IN MOTION
North East Statues 