Sketching the past with the present
When a visit to an ancient site can be a welcome boost for the spirits. Tony Henderson reports
When visitors to historic sites are inspecting where the occupants lived and worked centuries ago, perhaps the people of the past are also curiously giving the sightseers the once-over.
That is the notion that inspires artist Lynda Braithwaite on her visits to Vindolanda Roman fort in Northumberland.
She produces humorous artworks depicting the shades of those who garrisoned the fort or lived in its adjacent civilian settlement having unseen fun with the 21st century folk.
Lynda’s work has now gone on show in an exhibition at the fort titled Spirits of Vindolanda, which will run until the end of November.
“Have you ever walked through an ancient site and felt like spirits of the past are with you? If you have then you're not alone,” said Sonya Galloway, Vindolanda communications manager.
“Lynda brings to life both the modern day spirit of Vindolanda and its community and the ancient spirits of Vindolanda through her humorous sketches.”
A collection of her work that has been gifted to The Vindolanda Trust and is being displayed in the Activity Centre in the fort’s museum gardens.
A souvenir postcard sized 2025 calendar is also available featuring 12 images from the collection.
Lynda is self-taught and has developed her own style over the years.
She said: “I like to see the quirky side of life and to take something that is essentially normal and make fun of it.
“I first visited Vindolanda around 12 years ago and was blown away by the visit – there was something about the site which still moves me after all these visits.
“I’m still very aware of something there. It just has a magical energy to it and I think I felt that the first time I came there. There is something you feel when you are there which is very special.
“The first sketch was done a couple of years ago quite spontaneously when I was watching a dig.
“Someone was holding out what they had found to show another digger and my imagination went into overdrive.
“I just saw this centurion and his lady and she’s got a lost earring and that’s what they had found – that became my first drawing. After that, I realised there was more I was inspired to do.
“Inspiration comes in a lot of places. I’ve even been known to sketch ideas on bus tickets while I’m travelling, because it just comes out of the blue.”