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Whitby to Replace Whale Bone Arch with £70,000 Bronze Replica

Bronze was chosen to withstand West Cliff weather, with the original bones to be transferred to the University of York for study and Whitby Museum display.

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Overview

  • North Yorkshire Council confirmed Friday that it has approved a bespoke bronze arch costing £70,000 and will remove the existing bones in September with the new sculpture due to be installed in early 2027.
  • The council said bronze was selected for its strength and longevity on the exposed West Cliff and that the material will develop a natural patina while reducing ongoing maintenance.
  • The replacement will be made by taking moulds from the current bones and constructing a bespoke internal framework so the bronze replica matches the arch’s appearance and scale.
  • After removal the original whale bones will be gifted to the University of York for academic and educational research and a section will remain on display at Whitby Museum.
  • The choice follows public feedback that favoured a durable solution and a lack of response from Barrow, Alaska, with the council citing ethical and legal challenges to sourcing fresh real bones.