24–25 May 2025
Foldyard Gallery, Berwick-upon-Tweed
2024 saw Berwick Old Bridge celebrate its 400th anniversary and in response to this historic event Annie Lord has been Connecting Threads artist in residence in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
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 has invited 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. A collective exhibition of these artworks is on display at Foldyard Gallery over the weekend of 24th and 25th May.
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.
Location
Foldyard Gallery, Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1AQ
Opening times
Saturday - Sunday, 24th - 25th May, 10am-4pm
Opening event
Saturday 24th May, 10am-12pm
Join Annie Lord to celebrate the opening of Sketching in Stone, hear more from Annie about the project and meet others who have contributed their own response.
Access
There is a step into the gallery (8 inches/20cm high). There is one toilet on the gallery level, which does not have disabled access.
Annie Lord, Sketching in Stone, 2024. Image credit: Sarah Jamieson / Pictorial Photography
"There is potency in handmade materials. As an artist, to know the source of your ink, charcoal, or paint, suffuses them with new meaning... Early in my residency, after an evening spent drawing the Old Bridge, I wrote a note in my sketchbook which simply said 'sandstone pigment?'"
To read more about Annie's research process, you can read her residency reflections over on the Connecting Threads journal.