It’s hard to miss Temenos or the Bottle of Notes, but Middlesbrough is also home to many less prominent artworks. Let’s take a meandering walk through the town and learn about some pieces you may have missed. If you fancy doing this as a walk, there’s a downloadable map at the end of the article.
Installed in 1966 as part of the Seaman’s Mission Church at Scandinavian House, Linthorpe Road, we believe that this modernist mural is the work of Swedish artist Harry Booström. Some have speculated that it’s peaks and angles represent ships that took sailors across the North Sea.
(photo by Ian Stubbs)
Telling the story of Middlesbrough from industry to modernity, this artwork is tucked away on a wall behind the Dorman Museum and was created by the museum’s education team and engineering pupils at Hall Garth Community Arts College.
(photo by Grace Redpath)
In his typical outsider style, Clough isn’t outside the Riverside with fellow Boro legends Mannion, Camsell & Hardwick, but rather taking his old route to training through Albert Park. Vivien Mallock’s 2007 statue has – like its subject – suffered a few injuries, but still stands in the north of the park.
(photo by Anthony Winward)
By turns humorous and poignant, Oliver Bragg’s discreet brass plaques reward the curious with their slices of life, paying tribute to the people, places and experiences that make up the town’s collective and individual memory.
(photo by Grace Redpath)
Originally hoped to be a giant, monumental sculpture, Starhead (by Romanian artist Paul Neagu) arrived in Boro in slightly truncated form. The point at the base of the star is left open, which some scholars have interpreted as representing freedom, escape or potential.
(photo by Judy Hume)
Lee Grandjean’s twin piece stands outside the Victoria Building of Teesside University. Described by the artist as a “rather medieval sculpture”, there’s certainly an element of the grotesque about it.
(photo courtesy of Lee Grandjean)
Dating from 1962 and originally found on the old police station, Eddie Hawking’s abstract aluminium panel was moved to Stephenson Street (the old Gazette building, now part of Teesside University) in 2010. The artist described it as “an attempt to make a synthesis of organic or human and geometric or man-made forms.”
(photo by Grace Redpath)
Cleveland Business Centre Logo
A relic from 1990 (and perhaps the most nineties logo ever created), this symbol clings, decaying from the railings of Oak Street Car Park, behind the Purple Onion. A memento of more radical and bodacious times.
(photo by Rachel Deakin)
There’s no point trying to add this to the map – it comes and goes faster than we can record it. ZX8bit’s pixel art can be found on walls across the town, taking in everything from gaming lore to TV classics.
(photo by ZX8bit)
We had to end with something a bit more well-known. After a long walk across the town you can head to Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s ode to the voyages of James Cook, which is 30 years old as of 2023.
(photo by Stan Gamester)
Where to find them
North East Statues 
Hi,
Are you still looking for information on the former Swedish church in Middlesbrough? Some friends of mine are visiting friends in Sweden and mentioned in their fb post that they met up with a friend, who was involved with closing the church in 2003.
I don’t know if they can throw any more light on the mural but I can message my friends and ask.
Best wishes
Christiane Kroebel
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We definitely are! We have a “best guess” on the mural going on style, timing and the like, but I wouldn’t say it’s 100%. Any information would be gratefully received!
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They will get in touch with their friend and I’ll let you know. Christiane
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