One of Whitby’s best-known landmarks came down on Tuesday 1 September, with ethical bronze replicas due to take its place to keep the town’s maritime heritage on display.
The whale bone arch has stood on West Cliff since 2002, a gift from Whitby’s twin town of Barrow, Alaska. Years of exposure to coastal weather have taken a serious toll on the bones, leaving them in need of replacement.
After weighing up a range of options, the council settled on bronze replicas as the way forward — a new structure due to go up early next year that will match the existing arch’s look and scale, giving the landmark a durable, sustainable, long-term future to look forward to.
Cllr Mark Crane, executive member for open to business, whose responsibilities include harbours, said: “The whale bone arch is one of Whitby’s most treasured landmarks and an important part of the town’s maritime heritage. The removal of the arch is a landmark day in the town’s recent history, as visitors have flocked to see and photograph the bones for over two decades.
“Importantly, the bronze replicas provide an ethical alternative to the use of whale bones, allowing this iconic landmark and its connection to Whitby’s maritime heritage to be preserved in a way that reflects modern conservation values. We look forward to seeing the new arch in situ. It will stand for decades to come, ensuring this iconic feature continues to inspire residents and visitors long into the future.”
Exposed conditions
Bronze was picked for its strength and longevity, and its ability to cope with the exposed conditions on West Cliff; over the years it’s expected to weather into a natural patina, while keeping a shape that has come to represent the seafront itself.
Consultation with residents and visitors pointed towards bronze as the most appropriate choice for a structure recognised internationally, one that frames the well-known view towards Whitby Abbey and draws thousands of visitors each year.
Building the new arch will cost £70,000 and involves a fairly intricate process — casting moulds directly from the existing bones and engineering a purpose-built internal frame to support the finished piece.
Whitby Town Mayor Cllr Sandra Turner added: “The whale bone arch means a great deal to residents and visitors alike. While it is sad to see the current bones reach the end of their life, the new bronze arch will ensure this landmark continues to celebrate Whitby’s history and provide a focal point on West Cliff for future generations.”
