Press release: Arts activities to explore our mining past

31 May 2023

A programme of arts activities 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 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 are being delivered by four artists who have been awarded bursaries to explore North Pennines mining heritage in exciting and unexpected ways.

Andie Harris, Historic Environment Project Manager at the North Pennines AONB Partnership, 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 be running with 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 giving more than a nod to those who lived and worked in these lead mining communities.

In Allenheads, a workshop with Henry Iddon on 6 June 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 5×4 inch negatives.

Artists Esther Huss, Claudia Sacher and Jeremy Bradfield will lead a mine adventure like no other, at Nenthead Mines on 11 June. 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 28 June and 8 July, 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.

All the events can be booked at https://northpennines.org.uk/events/ 

The Land of Lead and Silver is currently in its development stage. If the 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 rich programme of community activity that aims to explore much more, revealing the stories and people who shaped this place.

Notes for editors

1. Contact Sarah Hudspeth, Communications Lead at the North Pennines AONB Partnership for further information – shudspeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk, Phone: 07768 123247

2. Images from the artists are attached, with image credits in the filenames. For alternative images please contact Sarah on 01388 528801 or email shudspeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk

3. About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund

Header image: Kirkcarrion, Claire Priestley, Teesdale Felt