The Sheaf Thrower

The Sheaf Thrower is a stone sculpture by artist Michael Disley in 1995. It is located at the junction of Front Street and The Green in Greatham, Hartlepool. The sculpture is a historical depiction of a man, wearing work clothes and clogs, clutching a gathering of sheaf. There are also two birds in his hair, which relate to a rookery in the woodland nearby. The base of the sculpture is decorated with floral designs. Disley was asked to create a work that reflected Greatham's spirit and rural setting and so he based his sculpture on the yearly sheaf throwing contest in the village at the Greatham Feast, which has run for over 500 years. The sculpture was carved from Cadeby stone, and cost £4000 to make, supported by Cleveland Arts, Cadeby Stone, Northern Arts, Greatham Parish Council and Teesside Arts Awards.