News

University rowers meet the cast of Tyneside's latest cultural extravaganza

(16 May 2003)

Getting plastered wouldn't normally be part of the rigorous training schedule adopted by the rowers taking part in this weekend's Northumbrian Water University Boat Race. But this week, Newcastle University rower Oli Shuldham, and Clare Leake, who rows for Durham University, have been doing just that.

Whole body plaster casts have been moulded of Oli and Clare as part of the new exhibition from artist Antony Gormley - creator of the world-famous Angel of the North.

The idea of having one of the rowers from each University Boat Club cast for the exhibition came about because Northumbrian Water is both the title sponsor of the University Boat Race, and exhibition sponsor for Antony Gormley's latest project, 'Domain Field', which opens at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, this weekend.

Northumbrian Water Communications, Alistair Baker, said: 'With the combination of the Boat Race and the opening of the Gormley exhibition, this weekend is gearing up to be one of the landmark cultural events in the region this year.

'Northumbrian Water is proud to be the link between two such different and exciting events, which will once again turn the international spotlight onto our region and add more weight to Newcastle Gateshead's bid to be named Capital of Culture 2008.'

Newcastle and Durham Universities have also contributed to the exhibition sponsorship, and all of the rowers and some 250 guests at the Boat Race have been invited to a private viewing of 'Domain Field' on Sunday evening.

Chairman of the Boat Race Executive Committee, Graham Rayner, said: 'Sport is integral to Newcastle Gateshead's Capital of Culture 2008 bid, and we are delighted to have this opportunity to link the University Boat Race with one of the most significant events to take place at Baltic so far'.

More than 250 regional volunteers, aged from two-and-a-half to 85, have been cast in plaster as subjects for the 'Domain Field' exhibition, commissioned for the Baltic gallery on the banks of the River Tyne.

The plaster moulds are then used to construct individual sculptures by welding stainless steel bars of various lengths together forming a body shape from the inside measurements of the cast.

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Notes for Editors

1. When reproducing material in connection with this press release, please refer to the 'Northumbrian Water University Boat Race'.
2. The Northumbrian Water University Boat Race takes place on Sunday 18 May. Land- and river-based entertainment, featuring jet ski displays, dragon boat racing and a sailpast and pageant by the North East Boating Federation, musicians and street performers, gets underway at 3.00 pm, with the first of the races at 5.00 pm. The presentations to the winning crews will take place in Baltic Square at 6.15 pm. 3. The Domain Field exhibition opens at Baltic on 17 May and runs until 25 August.

For further information contact Helen Swain, Public Relations Office, University of Durham, Queen's Campus, Stockton, Tel: 0191 334 0017.