Sketching in Stone

Unfortunately, this event has had to be postponed. We sincerely apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience.


This year sees Berwick Old Bridge celebrate its 400th anniversary and in response to this historic event Annie Lord has been Connecting Threads artist in residence over the past few months.

Throughout her residency, Annie has developed handmade paint, made from the same sandstone used to repair the bridge. Inspired by the workers who initially constructed the bridge, Annie is inviting local people to contribute an artwork in their honour, using this paint.

The sandstone creates a warm-toned, reddish-brown colour, and provides an exciting, at times unpredictable material to work with. Annie has specially prepared paint kits to hand out during Berwick-upon-Tweed Heritage Open Days (14th-15th September 2024), as well as some materials to experiment with. Participants are invited to submit their artworks for a future exhibition to be announced soon.

As part of her research, Annie has spent time exploring the original account books which recorded the names, wages and job titles of everyone involved in the construction of Berwick Bridge. Dating back to 1611, these beautifully scribed books tell a fascinating story, revealing both the material history of the bridge, and the labour involved in its creation.

How to take part
If you would like to take part, you’ll receive a limpet shell from Berwick beach, filled with sandstone paint as well as a stone-shaped piece of paper and paintbrush. You’ll also be given the name of one of the workers who contributed to the construction of the bridge, 400 years ago. The paintings will be a way of honouring these workers.

As there are a limited number of paints, please register your interest by emailing Annie on annieberwickbridge@gmail.com by Wednesday 11th September.

You can then collect your kit during this event at the Straw Yard, and have a chat with Annie about her residency.

Please complete your artwork by Monday 30th September. Finished artworks can be handed in to the front desk at the Maltings.

The paintings will be displayed together at a future event (time and date tbc). Annie would love to keep hold of these paintings, so please make sure that you photograph them for your own records before handing them in.


Location
The Straw Yard, Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1DF

Opening hours
Saturday 14th September, 11am - 4pm
Sunday 15th September, 12pm - 4pm