Created over a decade from 1991 to 2001 by sculptor Colin Wilbourn and writer Chaz Brenchley, the St Peter’s Riverside Sculpture Trail honours the city’s rich past, with 13 artworks in total.
Over the years, the original trail has been added to, with three large-scale sculptures joining the trail last year alone.
But have you spotted them all? Here’s the story behind all of the artworks that hug the Riverside from Wearmouth Bridge en route to Roker.
13. Watching and Waiting, behind the Harbour View Garage
Behind the petrol station on Dame Dorothy Street, overlooking the river's mouth is Look Out Hill which hosts the Watching and Waiting sculpture. The origin of the hill's name is obvious as from here people would watch between the piers for incoming boats. The history of the site and the memories of local residents inspired the subject of the sculpture. A stone blanket lies on the ground, a picnic basket and other objects - including a steel telescope by artist blacksmith Craig Knowles, and an open book with text written by crime writer Chaz Brenchley - all stand overlooking the river. | Sunderland Echo
14. The Red House, North Sands
One of the most-popular sculptures on the trail, The Red House at North Sands carved from red sandstone reclaimed from the old Queen Alexandra Bridge. The apparently ruined, life size house refers back to an earlier period when this part of the "Barbary Coast" was a flourishing community, living in densely packed housing. Within the ruin can be found various pieces of furniture, clothing and personal effects, all carved from stone; even the floorboards, carpet and door have been reproduced. | Sunderland Echo
15. Always Open Gates, Biz Space
On the corner of Dame Dorothy Street and Liberty Way, this set of gates at the entrance of the North Sands Business Centre was the first work completed by Colin Wilbourn and Karl Fisher at St Peter's Riverside. A pair of bicycles, apparently left by their owners, stand on either side of gates that appear to be open even though they are closed. | Sunderland Echo
16. Pathways to Knowledge, Sunderland University, St Peter's Campus
A huge pile of stone books featuring an inlaid mosaic of coloured glass is based on the theme of education and learning, linking the past with the present and can be found in front of St Peter's Campus. | Sunderland Echo