Artists dig deep for inspiration at Nenthead Mines
How a historic mining landscape inspired a rush of creativity from a score of artists. Tony Henderson reports
Creations by more than 20 artists will celebrate a historic mining landscape.
The artists were inspired by a day’s outing above and below ground at the Nenthead Mines complex, which extends for 1,730 acres on the borders of Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria.
The visit included a descent into the site’s Carrs Mine and an overground nature walk to examine the geology, flora and fauna.
Most of the site near Alston is designated as a scheduled Ancient Monument.
The work of the artists will feature in an exhibition, titled Inspired, in the former barracks building at the Nenthead site, which provided accommodation for miners.
The free exhibition this weekend (October 4–50 will be open from 10am–4pm.
The idea for an exhibition came from Julie Smith, who runs the Carrshield Pottery in Northumberland and is a member of the Pennine Potters group, who have been involved in the venture.
With financial help from the North Pennines National Landscape body’s Land of Lead and Silver project, the exhibition proposal was taken up by the volunteers of the Nenthead Mines Conservation Society, which took over management of the site in October 2020.
It aims to educate people about the history, archaeology, geology and ecology of Nenthead Mines, and runs guided tours on open days of the showpiece Carrs Mine.
Julie said: “We have been so impressed by the response to this exhibition.
“We received submissions from over 20 local artists, working in a wide range of different media, and it is truly fascinating to see how each contributor has highlighted a different, unique aspect of the mines. It’s going to be a beautiful exhibition.”
The exhibition will include ceramics, felting, acrylics, print, painting, textiles, photography, stained glass, and pastel.
Julie will be exhibiting her work, which includes bowls glazed with crushed rock from the mines.
“It is a really fascinating place and it has been very exciting for all the artists to work together,” she said.
The Nenthead valley is covered by remains from the lead and zinc mining industry of the North Pennines, including mine entrances, watercourses, dressing floors and buildings.
The site is famous for its geology and is notable for rare lichens and plants growing on the metal-rich mine dumps.
Carrs Mine is an old lead and zinc mine which is open to visitors on Open Days. The NMCS volunteer team provides guided trips into the mine.