Status: Removed
We know next to nothing about this sculpture, which stood outside the old YMCA building in Stockton (on Bath Lane next to the swimming baths).
What we do know is that the sculpture was there in the 1980s and stayed there after the YMCA was torn down in the late 1990s. It remained until the nearby Elm House apartments were demolished around 2020, and subsequently disappeared.
We’re looking for any information about it, including the name of the artist. Get in touch if you can help.
A huge thanks and shout out to the wonderful Picture Stockton Archive for the use of the photo. Also to Damian Ashman for information and Emma Bennett for the recent photos.
North East Statues 
This sculpture was created by my father Sidney Spedding in the 1970s. He had it made by Dorman Long. It was called “Aspiring Youth”. He was Principal of Middlesbrough College of Art at the time before it was folded into Teesside Polytechnic
LikeLike
Thanks for getting in touch Andy. If you wouldn’t mind, could we get in touch by email so I can properly update the article?
LikeLike
Hi Daniel
Yes of course, no problem
Cheers
Andy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent. If you could drop me a line at northeaststatues@gmail.com I’ll get in touch.
LikeLike
Hello! I’m writing from Pakistan. I’m researching Sydney (Sidney) Spedding, who served as Principal of the Mayo School of Arts, Lahore (1954–1956)—just before it was upgraded to the National College of Arts.
Does anyone have photographs/portraits of Sydney/Sidney Spedding or pointers to archives that hold his image? Any leads would be much appreciated. Thank you!
LikeLike
Hello! I’m writing from Pakistan. I am thrilled to come across you!. We’re currently researching Sydney (Sidney) Spedding, who served as Principal of the Mayo School of Arts on the behalf of my Head of Department, National College of Arts (Previously: Mayo School of Arts), Lahore (1954–1956) just before it was upgraded to the National College of Arts.
Does anyone have photographs/portraits of Sydney/Sidney Spedding or pointers to archives that hold his image? Any leads would be much appreciated. Thank you!
LikeLike