Durham - 1000 years of history

Art

The mass of greenery found on the river banks and the meandering river itself, provide a most attractive backdrop to various artworks. There are two sculptures near Prebends Bridge: Revealed by Richard Cole uses recycled stone from the cathedral and shows the changing light experienced in the cathedral. Kathedra by Colin Wilbourn is a stone representation of the seat of judgement of the Bishop. Further along the river by the bandstand lies Durham Cow by Andrew Burton, a reminder of the legend that is told about the founding of Durham. Monks searching for a suitable site to house the remains of St. Cuthbert had been told, in a vision, to go to Dun Holm. They did not know where this was until they overheard a woman being directed to Dunholm (or Hill Island) in search of her lost cow. From Wharton Park, views of the Cathedral are stunningly framed by a sculpture called The Way by Hamish Horsley. More information about these and other works of art in Durham are to be found in the Durham City Art Map, available from Durham Tourist Information Centre.