A Bridlington sculptor has placed scale models on display at the towns railway station of a seaside feature that celebrate the heritage of the resort.
Stephen Carvill, who has created such sculptures as the iconic Gansey Girl on Bridlington harbour and the illuminated glass panel Carnaby War Memorial, has been commissioned to create a life sized model of a Bridlington Barrow Boy.
It was once common sight outside railway stations in the 1950s and 1960s to see young boys waiting outside the station to transport passengers’ luggage to the hotels and guesthouses for a small fee.
“I am hoping to have the unveiling in June of next year and I am at the casting stage of the life-sized model. The scale model of the Bridlington Barrow Boy (maquette) is being displayed on the concourse of the town’s railway station – an area where the statue will be eventually sited.” explained Stephen.
“The barrows – like their owners – came with wonderful variety of inventiveness – pram wheels supporting rough wooden frames. Names such as ’Swanland Flyer’ were painted on the sides.” added Stephen.
The concept was an original idea from October 2022 when Stephen approached the Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership (YCCRP) to ask if they had any thoughts about his proposed project.
Roger Gaitley, Vice Chair of the YCCRP explained: “Subsequently the Partnership adopted the Barrow Boy as our project for 2023-2024 and a budget of £64,000 was agreed. I was then tasked with others to see how we could raise this money. I am pleased to say that the several other bodies have made a financial commitment to the project and without their support this project would not have reached the level it has.”
“The Barrow Boys were not unique to Bridlington, we have heard about them locally in Hornsea, Withensea, Scarborough and Filey for the holiday camps.
“Nationally we know about them in Skegness, Great Yarmouth, Blackpool, Morecambe and even the Isle of Man.
“There is a lot of interest from other Rail Partnerships nationally in what we are doing and we are very proud to be taking a lead role in promoting the history of these young entrepreneurs who plied their trade around many rail and coach stations until the taxis took over.”
The finished statue will be cast in bronze and will be unveiled in mid-2024.
Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern said: “This sculpture will bring some of Bridlington’s forgotten railway history back to life and celebrate the heritage of the area.
Were you a Bridlington Barrow Boy? Have you any memories and photographs?
The Echo would like to hear your story. Please email: vanessa@bridlingtonecho.co.uk.
Project Supporters
Yorkshire Coast Bid £25000
Community Rail Network £25000
Bridlington Town Council £5000
Humber and Wolds Rural Action (YCCRP parent body) to date £6600
Northern Rail £3000 (contributed in kind dealing with permissions, insurance etc.).
