‘We are all Winners’ By Alma Tischlerwood
How to get there
- Section: 13 – Shepherdswell to Dover and Section 15 Folkstone to Dover
- Nearest postcode: CT16 1LA
- What 3 words: ///alas.blatantly.piston
- Where to start? Waterloo Crescent, Dover Seafront
- What to expect: Beaches, promenades and the famous White Cliffs
Full Route: This sculpture is on section 13 of the North Downs Way from Shepherdswell to Dover 9 miles (14.5km) and section 15 Folkestone to Dover 8.5 miles (13.6km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
In a hurry?
Nearest train station is Dover Priory just 0.6 miles away.
Take your time…
A must is walking the North Downs Way and England Coast Path to Samphire Hoe, walking towards Folkestone you’ll pass Shakespeare’s Cliff which was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s King Lear.
From Dover if you head north on the England Coast Path in the opposite direction, you’ll pass through the National Trust White Cliffs estate before hitting the picturesque St Margaret’s Bay Beach and the South Foreland Lighthouse, there’s plenty of photo opportunities along the way, but for the epic shot walk along the cliff pathways for miles of unrivalled views.
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: Try a scoop of ice cream from Pebbles Kiosk, local seafood from Dover Patrol restaurant and Cullins Yard, or fresh fish & chips from Wheller’s or The Boardwalk Café.
- Explore: Samphire Hoe Visitor Centre, Western Heights, Dover’s Secret Wartime Tunnels and discover more art on the Chalk Up 21 Trail.
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Take a selfie at the famous Dover Start Finish line a sculpture (also created by Alma Tischlerwood) with the White Cliffs and Dover Castle in the distance and the English Channel in the foreground.
The story behind the sculpture
This sculpture forms a winner’s podium in the shape of a bench with the engraved words “we are all winners” in Latin, created as a modern monument and homage to pilgrimage.
The overall look is elegant and in keeping with the surroundings, but also subtly references the humorous concept of the start/finish line, which is a great photo opportunity for more than just North Downs Way walkers.
On the side facing the city, the symbol of a pilgrim is engraved and covered with gold leaf.
It functions as a bench with different heights for all ages and disabilities. The ‘seating sculpture’ is a place to relax, reflect, rest and meet loved ones at the now and then very busy seafront, the sculpture also playfully depicts both the present and the ancient world and refers to the sense of achievement we feel after a long walk.
About the artist
Alma Tischler Wood studied with Guenter Fruhtrunk at the Munich Academy and briefly Philosophy at Goldsmiths University of London. Following her graduation, Alma received among other awards an award and scholarship of the city of Munich. Her work uses colour and geometric abstraction to disrupt on many levels, with a refreshing pinch of irony and humour in her public murals and interior installations.
Nearby experiences
Other points of interest
- Dover Castle
- Three Waves sculpture by Tonkin Liu Architects
- Dover Museum and Bronze Boat
- White Cliffs of Dover (National Trust)
- South Foreland Lighthouse (National Trust)
