A YOUNG dale artist is spending the summer helping to spread the word about the industrial past of the North Pennines around Middleton-in-
Teesdale and beyond. Abi Baker has taken up with post of artist in residence for the National Landscape’s Land of Lead and Silver project.
For the next three months Abi and four other artists who have been awarded bursaries aim to engage people in the industrial heritage that shaped the North Pennines landscape and those who made it their home.
Through a community arts programme the artists will offer a series of workshops at locations including the TCR Hub, Barnard Castle, and the Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Mixed media artist Abi, from Mickleton, said she was really excited to be taking up her first artist in residence post.
“I have always been aware of the North Pennines and it is really exciting to see National Landscapes is getting artists involved,” she said.
“It’s a great way to reach new audiences and I am one of those people it has reached. I have been thinking about the mining heritage and how I connect to it and it’s really been eye-opening.
“The workshops will help people to find their own connections to that heritage.
“I think a lot of people who enjoy walking and enjoy the North Pennines don’t know the extent to which it has been shaped by the mining heritage.
“When you see cuts and veins in the landscape you think they are natural but they are caused by mine working.”
In addition to leading workshops, Abi will be producing more of her own work, inspired by the industrial heritage of the North Pennines.
“I will be able to create larger pieces. It is still in development but I can see how the mining heritage is influencing me and I have already learned so much.”
Abi said the role came along just at the right time.
“I was very excited to get it and I will put everything into it. I was ready for a project to get stuck into.”
Joining Abi for the community arts programme are felt-maker Anna Osborne, mixed media artist Carole McCourt, graphic artist Daniel Weatheritt and textile artist Leanne Bain.
Details of the workshops will be available once all arrangements have been put in place.
The North Pennines Land of Lead and Silver project is running for three years and aims to provide an extensive history of the area’s industrial past by working with volunteers and local communities.
