A sculpture depicting a female shipyard worker is being designed, crediting the work by 700 Wearside women who contributed to the production of military vessels during the Second World War.

Sunderland born artist Dr Ron Lawson has been set the task of creating a piece that would credit the legacy of the Wearside Women. The setback of Covid-19 meant that Dr Lawson is only now crafting the piece from his studio in Dubmire, near Fence Houses.

Dr Lawson said: “The sculpture is a life-size representation of a female welder wearing the personal protective equipment of the period, and she herself is made from forged and welded steel, which is rather appropriate.”

The sculpture will be installed on the riverside walkway at St Peter’s by the end of summer, looking directly across the Port of Sunderland, where many ships built for the war effort would have set sail, destined for battle. A popular walking and cycling route, thousands will be inspired by the shipyard women each year.

The Northern Echo: Councillor John Price, Sunderland City Council, Denise Wilson (Soroptimist), Dr Ashleigh Blackwood, Ron Lawson, Alex Lawson (fabricator), Marge Wilkinson (Soroptimist), Suzanne Brown (Soroptimist), Kath Tuddenham (Soroptimist)Councillor John Price, Sunderland City Council, Denise Wilson (Soroptimist), Dr Ashleigh Blackwood, Ron Lawson, Alex Lawson (fabricator), Marge Wilkinson (Soroptimist), Suzanne Brown (Soroptimist), Kath Tuddenham (Soroptimist) (Image: CRECOMMS)

The sculpture was commissioned by the city’s ‘Soroptimists,’ a worldwide organisation of women promoting education and working on improving the opportunities of women and girls.

Suzanne Brown, who has been a member of the Soroptimists for more than 35 years, was left so inspired by local author Nancy Revell’s popular series of books, Shipyard Girls, that she set out to create a tribute that would also act as a celebration of the Soroptimists in Sunderland.

“These were women undertaking jobs like welding, riveting, burning and rivet catching, as well as general labouring, operating cranes, and painting. It was perilous work," she said.

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“It wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful support of Ron, the council and Apextra CIC.”

City cabinet member at Sunderland City Council, Councillor John Price, said the plan for the sculpture “is one that the council was absolutely delighted to get behind".

Her added: “This is not only a piece that keeps the memory of Sunderland’s amazing shipbuilding women alive, but one that inspires women and girls long into the future.”