Arts project delves into mining legacy
TONY HENDERSON on a programme to help people to understand their amazing landscape
APROGRAMME of arts projects centred around lead mining heritage will help people to delve deeper into how the industry and its people shaped the landscape and communities of the North Pennines.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership is developing the Land of Lead and Silver project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, with one of the activities featuring a live performance in a former mine.
Community arts activities are being delivered by four artists who have been awarded bursaries to explore North Pennines mining heritage.
Andie Harris, historic environment project manager at the North Pennines AONB Partnership, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the interesting and different ways each artist chooses to approach their creative exploration of what lies under the surface of the North Pennines.
“Everyone taking part, from schools, local communities and groups, will experience something unique as they connect with this area’s rich heritage.”
Some activities will involve local schools, but others are open to the public. Throughout June, in Nenthead, participants will work with artist Sandie Craig to create a community tapestry, depicting the landscape, wildlife, plants, infrastructure and geology as well as those who lived and worked in these lead mining communities.
In Allenheads, a workshop with Henry Iddon today will focus on pinhole photography, looking at how the technique works and making a simple camera.
Using the pinhole technique, participants will take images of the village and process them in a portable darkroom to create negatives.
Artists Esther Huss, Claudia Sacher and Jeremy Bradfield will lead a mine adventure at Nenthead Mines on June 11. This includes an underground tour and a live performance in the mine itself. A creative workshop above ground will explore this experience of the mine through movement, sound and visual arts.
Two workshops, on June 28 and July 8, with Claire Priestley of Teesdale Felt, will explore Killhope Lead Mining Museum in Weardale, creating a 3D felt artwork based on the museum’s display of Victorian spar boxes.
All the events can be booked at https://www.northpennines.org.uk/events/
The Land of Lead and Silver is currently in its development stage.
If a funding bid is successful, the North Pennines AONB Partnership will begin a four-year programme of activity that will combine works on heritage sites with a programme of community activity that aims to explore much more.