1. What is the Stockton Flyer?
Stockton-on-Tees is a town synonymous with the dawn of the railway age. Birthplace of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, this small, unassuming town in north east England boasts a rich history that places it at the forefront of the railway revolution.
One poignant tribute to this history is the Stockton Flyer, a fantastic automated mechanical sculpture, designed and built by engineer Rob Higgs.
Like something from an H. G. Wells novel, the Flyer rises from within a giant stone plinth, clanging, hooting, steaming and chuffing for a full 15 minutes every day at 1pm (even puffing out smoke rings!).
Commissioned by Stockton Borough Council in 2013 to commemorate the town’s railway and industrial past, the Flyer was officially unveiled on the 12th of June 2016. Unlike more traditional memorials or plaques, which may fade into the background of a busy town centre, the Stockton Flyer commands attention with its dramatic daily performance.
2. Why was the Stockton Flyer made?
The Stockton Flyer was created to celebrate Stockton’s critical role in the birth of the modern railway when, on September 27, 1825, the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) officially opened, marking a pivotal moment in the history of transportation.
Engineered by George Stephenson, this railway was the first in the world to offer passenger services using steam locomotives. Its 25-mile track linked the coal mines of Shildon in County Durham to the ports on the River Tees at Stockton, forever changing the way goods and people would be transported.
In a world that was still largely dependent on horse-drawn transport and canals, the sight of Stephenson’s steam locomotive, the Locomotion No. 1, puffing its way along the S&DR’s tracks not only put Stockton on the map but heralded the beginning of a new era in global transportation.
3. The Stockton Flyer as a kinetic work of art
Yet, the Flyer is more than just a monument to an industrial past. She’s also an eye-catching piece of kinetic art in her own right and an exceptional example of how movement and mechanics bring history and creativity to life.
Kinetic art is all about motion and interaction and the Stockton Flyer perfectly exemplifies this. Her daily emergence, accompanied by the hiss of steam and the clanking of metal mimics the awe of watching a steam locomotive coming to life.
The movement is both theatrical and mechanical, making the Flyer more than just a static sculpture but a living artwork that presents enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see art that moves and breathes in a public setting.
A “must-see” for steam enthusiasts and admirers of kinetic art alike, the Stockton Flyer physically and emotionally connects onlookers to a pivotal moment in technological history.
Her intricate design, exaggerated proportions, brass gears, and copper pipes draw obvious inspiration from steampunk aesthetics, making the Stockton Flyer an exciting, awe-inspiring spectacle unique to Stockton-on-Tees.
4. Where is the Stockton Flyer situated?
The Stockton Flyer can hardly be missed. Situated behind the town hall in Stockton High Street, just look for a huge stone plinth. Or wait till 1pm and won’t fail to hear her. But see the map below for exact coordinates.
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Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned railway enthusiast, a fan of kinetic art or just a casual observer, the Stockton Flyer is sure to capture your imagination and transport you back to a time when the railway was the cutting-edge technology of its day.
