Coalfield creativity at Beamish
A special event spanning February half term aims to inspire via the North East's mining heritage
North East creatives with deep links to the region’s proud mining heritage are being spotlit at Beamish.
From tomorrow (Feb 22) until March 2, Creativity in the Coalfield will invite visitors to learn about artists and writers during the nine-day event taking place throughout February half term.
Activities will include daily talks in The 1900s Pit Village chapel about writer Sid Chaplin, whose novels and short stories - mostly set in the 1940s and 50s - are known for their detailed representations of working class life in the North East.
Quotes from his works can be found in and around the Pit Village while there will also be a display of mining banners in the band hall.
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Over in the 1950s Town, visitors will be able to discover the story of North East artist, Norman Cornish who worked in the pits until 1966 when a back condition forced his departure.
A new career as a full-time professional artist ensued with Norman becoming one of the region’s most celebrated artists in the 20th century thanks to his distinctive depictions of everyday life which portrayed both the harshness and the resilience of the working class.
Members of the Cornish family will be giving a talk about his life in the 1950s welfare hall at 2pm on Sunday, February 12 and Sunday, March 2.
A replica of Norman’s home, complete with his studio which was donated to Beamish can also be enjoyed as can Berriman’s chip van, which features in many Cornish paintings. There will also be opportunities for people to have a go at drawing it themselves.
Charcoal sketching will also be available to try in the 1820s Pockerley Old Hall.
Back in The 1900s Town, a family trail featuring a selection of quilts from the museum’s collection will be on display as will some disaster glass in the Masonic Hall.
And over at The 1940s Farm visitors will be able to make their own “seed bomb” to plant at home.
Of course all of the above is in addition to the usual time-travelling offer from the popular open air museum, which always offers the chance to soak up sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the North East in the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.
Beamish Museum is open all year round, visit www.beamish.org.uk for more information.