A MOSAIC has been commissioned to mark the 1,900th anniversary of Hadrian's Wall.

The community of Heddon on the Wall decided to mark the anniversary by creating a legacy art installation of the emperor Hadrian on Hadrian's Wall path.

The concept was to provide a tactile robust mosaic which could be installed in Hadrian’s Wall path to be seen and walked by the thousands of visitors who walk Hadrian’s Wall annually. 

Maggie Howarth Studios created the mosaic and design, which was designed through research into Hadrian's life.

The design was ready and commissioned but a major piece of work was still underway, which involved acquiring permission to install the mosaic in Hadrian’s Wall Path at Heddon, within the boundary of the World Heritage Site.

Historic England approved the installation and the mosaic was completed on November 17. 

It was decided at the onset that the mosaic would be self-funding and provide opportunities for people to participate in the art installation. Blocks have been laid alongside the path encompassing the mosaic which will be replaced over time by engraved copies to celebrate connections to Heddon and the Wall.

Heddon's reverend, Rachel Schaffer, said: "It has been a wonderful community-led effort which will provide a lasting and beautiful link between Hadrian’s Wall and Heddon, which will be experienced by all who walk the Wall."

To acquire an engraved block, contact David Blackett on dblackett@aol.com.