Historic Whitby Whale Bone Arch Removed For Ethical Bronze Replacement

Whitby's iconic whale bone arch has been dismantled after decades of coastal weather damage, making way for an ethical bronze replica set to be installed early next year.

Whitby's historic whale bone arch has vanished from the town's skyline after crews dismantled the weather-beaten landmark on Tuesday morning.

Harsh coastal weather on the West Cliff caused significant deterioration to the internationally recognised symbol, which was originally gifted by Barrow, Alaska, in 2002.

Ethical bronze replicas will replace the original bones, with the new £70,000 structure expected to arrive early next year.

The complex manufacturing process involves producing moulds from the existing bones and creating a bespoke internal framework.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Councillor Mark Crane, detailed the swift removal process on Tuesday. He said:

"The crew arrived at some point past 7 o'clock, and by 9 o'clock they were on the back of a low loader and off, so a lot less time than I had perhaps anticipated. And they managed to remove them whole as well, which was positive.

We're having bronze ones cast and they're being made exactly the same as the ones that were there at the moment. So they've gone off to a foundry in order to make the bronze ones cast that will be an identical replica to the ones that have just been taken down. And after that they're off to York University. They're using them for studies.

We hope the new ones will be in place late January/early February, so we're looking at 4 to 5 months time. But we believe by that time the new ones will be in place and people will once again see that iconic view of Whitby."

The original bones have now travelled across the country to begin the casting process.

Councillor Crane explained how the replicas are being created. He said:

"They're being made in Ormskirk, which is next to Southport, on the far side of the country. We did some work on who would be able to make these, and a lady in that area came forward and said that was not her expertise of making whalebones because I don't think too many people have ever done it in bronze, but she came forward and said that she was able to do it.

So the whalebones have gone to her to be cast so that she can make the bronze replicas."

Public feedback highlighted bronze as the most fitting option to reflect the town's maritime heritage.

The new metal structure will eventually develop a natural patina while retaining the distinctive form that frames the famous views towards Whitby Abbey.

Reflecting on the condition of the old arch, Councillor Crane said:

"When I went to see them before they were taken down, it was becoming very clear that they were disintegrating really, and they wouldn't have stood too many more winters.

So what we did was ask people what they wanted. A large number of people were against replacing them with real whale bones. And also, I have to say I think it would struggle to get a hold of real whale bones.

So the decision was made to go with bronze because we believe it's better for the environment, that people don't have to see real whale bones, but also we believe they will stand the test of time, so they will be there for hopefully decades, perhaps a few generations to come.

In the salt air a lot of materials would corrode very quickly, but bronze, we believe, would be one of the strongest, able to withstand the weathers."

The replacement project represents a significant £70k investment for the local authority.

Discussing the financial implications, Councillor Crane added:

"I suspect cost wise we would be better off with real ones, although finding them would be another matter. But the last ones that were there were gifted to us by Alaska. So they were in essence free, although the cost of putting them up of course, etc. So they were in effect free, whereas these we are paying money for for them to be made as you would expect.

So it's not a cost saving by the council. Quite the opposite, it will cost us more money, but we're hoping that for generations to come, people will see them."

Local leaders believe the change will preserve the landmark for decades to come.

Whitby Town Mayor, Councillor Sandra Turner, said:

"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."