NORTHUMBERLAND National Park Authority has awarded two new textile fellowships following a national contest.

The winners of the first Val Stoddart Textile Fellowships are professional artists Lindsay Duncanson (40), from Newcastle, and Zak Jones (47), from London.

The fellowships were launched earlier this year in memory of local textile artist and former teacher Val Stoddart, who left a legacy to the national park to be used in the enhancement of its work.

They will complement the arts and culture programme being developed, with support from Arts Council England, by the team behind The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre at Once Brewed.

The artists will begin their projects in the national park later this year, working with local communities and using the landscape and heritage as their inspiration.

Arts curator and consultant Peter Sharpe said: “The selection panel made a unanimous decision in selecting Lindsay and Zak – we were very impressed with the standard of their work, its unique approach and the creative use of textiles.

“It will be fantastic to see Val’s legacy reflected as this special project progresses, opening up art and textiles to many more people.”

Lindsay Duncanson has worked in the fields of photography, video, sound and digital imaging since she graduated from Sunderland University 15 years ago.

She said: “I’ve already been up to the national park to explore and start thinking about what I might do and will spend time this summer getting to know the area.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how a sense of sound and digital media might be able to work in parallel with embroidery and textiles.

“When I’m working, I tend to travel about in my orange and cream caravan and I’ll be doing the same during this project.

“I can’t wait to get started – it’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to work in such an incredible environment, meeting new people and developing my skills.”

Zak Jones, a further education lecturer in fine art, is known for his innovative techniques with fabric. They include machine work and screen printing

He said: “For me, it will be about experiencing the heritage of such an important historical setting, as well as the beauty of the environment.

“I will be working closely and collaboratively with the local community, spending time with the people of Northumberland National Park to discover their stories and history.”