WE Shall Be … a start town the Tour de Yorkshire will never forget!
The Tour’s in town on Sunday and Middlesbrough’s best known artist has created a stunning new work that will welcome the cream of world cycling to Teesside.
Erimus was created by Mackenzie Thorpe in celebration both of the town’s proud industrial heritage and of its long links with cycling.
The striking image features a working man holding a bike aloft against the familiar backdrop of Roseberry Topping and the North York Moors.
And now in collaboration with Middlesbrough Council, a giant 7m by 4m reproduction of the image – the largest of Mackenzie’s work ever shown in the town – has been installed on the gable end of the Central Library overlooking Centre Square and the start line of Sunday’s race.
A banner of the image has also been installed at Middlesbrough Railway Station, and it will feature as the label for a new beer from local brewery Truefitt.
Mackenzie said: “I am so excited to be asked to be included in the celebrations surrounding the Tour de Yorkshire and immensely proud that my home town would hang a piece of my work in such a prominent place during this worldwide event.
“Middlesbrough always gives me strength and passion and our town motto Erimus (We Shall Be) was the inspiration for this piece.
“Roseberry Topping is shown on the left of the picture, contrasting with the industry on the right both representing the iconic strength and beauty of our town.
“It’s fantastic that a world-class cycling event is coming to the Boro, and I’m proud to be able play a part in celebrating our heritage in front of a huge audience.”
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Mackenzie Thorpe’s passion for his home town and its people shines through his work, and we were delighted when he agreed to create a work celebrating our hosting of the Tour de Yorkshire.
“Centre Square will provide a fantastic backdrop for the Tour, and there’s no better artist to showcase the pride we have in our town, and to welcome the world to Middlesbrough.”
Limited edition prints of Erimus are now available – visit www.mackenziethorpe.net
- For full details of the 2016 Tour de Yorkshire, visit yorkshire.com/ and for regular updates on Middlesbrough’s build-up to the big day, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk and lovemiddlesbrough.com/enjoytheride