LEAD mining heritage will be explored in a programme of arts activities to reveal how the industry shaped the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership is developing the Land of Lead and Silver project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England. The community arts activities will be delivered by four artists awarded bursaries to explore North Pennines mining heritage in unexpected ways.
Historic Environment project manager at the North Pennines AONB Partnership, Andie Harris, said: “We’re really 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 run with local schools, but others are open to the public.
Participants will work with artist Sandie Craig to create a community tapestry throughout June in Nenthead, depicting the landscape, wildlife, plants, infrastructure and geology and acknowledge those who lived and worked in lead mining communities.
In Allenheads, a workshop with Henry Iddon on June 6 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 5x4-inch negatives.
Artists Esther Huss, Claudia Sacher and Jeremy Bradfield will lead a mine adventure like no other, at Nenthead Mines on June 11. This unconventional mine experience includes an underground tour and a live performance in the mine itself. A creative workshop back 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, creating a highly textured piece of 3D felt artwork based on the beautiful display of Victorian spar boxes.
The Land of Lead and Silver is currently in its development stage.
All events can be booked at https://www.northpennines.org.uk/events/.
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