The Secret Lives of Bottle of Notes: Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen

About

Discover the story behind Bottle of Notes (1993), Middlesbrough’s iconic public sculpture and the only UK work by celebrated artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Over its 30-year life this nine-metre-tall steel bottle has been adopted as a symbol for the Tees Valley.

The Secret Lives of Bottle of Notes, delves into how public art shapes identity and place. Through historical and contemporary artworks, archival materials, and creative contributions from Tees Valley communities, the exhibition traces the making of this significant sculpture, its meaning to the region, and its lasting impact on Middlesbrough’s cultural landscape.

The exhibition includes sketches, models, and documents by artists Oldenburg and van Bruggen, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind Bottle of Notes. Displays of archival images and documents trace the sculpture’s origins, fabrication, and reception. The story of the commission is brought to life in a series of filmed interviews by Professor Simon McKeown and a new film, led by PhD researcher Karis Richardson, sheds light on public perceptions of the artwork now.

New commissions by artists Webb-Ellis, Nell Catchpole with Rachel Deakin and Sam Venables share imaginative responses to themes of place and identity. Creative contributions from Tees Valley communities, including a collaborative project with Abingdon Primary School and Ella Miller, bring a sense of joy and play to this exhibition.

The Secret Lives of Bottle of Notes asks vital questions about the role of art in shaping public spaces, fostering civic pride, and connecting people through shared identity.