This project was inspired by the beautiful landscape, house and grounds of Wallington, as well as the archival collections of Thomas Bewick and the Trevelyan family held at Newcastle University.
Funded by Historic England, Newcastle University and the National Trust, students aged between 14-16 from three North East schools (Benfield School, Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College and Walker Riverside Academy) were invited to take part in the project and enjoyed three days of activities.
Activities throughout the three days included:
A poetry and art session in school.
Art walk with an artist from the Hatton Gallery focusing upon observing nature and heritage. Tips for drawing, writing poetry and taking photos were shared.
“The art is something I will carry on doing”
-Year 11 student
The students also received a tour of the property and talks from National Trust staff on the history of Wallington.
“It’s an inspiring place with a story behind it”
-Year 10 student
They also got to toast marshmallows with the rangers in the grounds of the Wallington estate.
“I loved hearing the Ranger’s story and the marshmallows were delicious”
-Year 11 student
Each school also worked with a creative practitioner to create their own Bewick-inspired prints, photographs and willow sheep sculptures which you see in the exhibition below!
“I found it very enjoyable to take some really nice photos of different objects”
-Year 11 students
Click on the image below to visit the online exhbition!
