On the 18th and 19th May, a contingent of would be floral artists, under the guiding hand of Phyllida Irving the renowned exponent of the medium, first visited the Newcastle Laing Art Gallery. Here they saw and were inspired by several John Martin works, on his familiar themes, currently on display. They chose for their floral re-working Martin's 'Great Day of his Wrath' currently in the collection of Tate Britain. The second day was spent working on their interpretations.



Local Artist's Exhibition

Sunday 20th until Saturday 26th June 2004

A self financed Parish Summer Art Exhibition 'The John Martin Local Artists Exhibition' was organised by distinguished Haydon Bridge based artist Robert Ford. This was open to artists born, resident, educated or having connections to the Parish of Haydon Bridge. Further support for the event was provided by Haydon Bridge based jdp Artworks, bespoke canvas frame makers and Croix Contemporary Silverware. There were over 100 entries ranging from those of established professional artists to amateurs who had never exhibited before.

The quality of work on display was amazing. The news of the event soon travelled to attract an unprecedented number of visitors. Sales of work exceeded all expectations to the delight of the exhibitors. This also provided a platform for the village's first school young persons to show their pictures to a larger audience.

The children, with their own teachers, produced paintings based on Martin's and other artist's themes and styles. These were mounted by Malcolm Hogg for display at the exhibition.

Julie Livsey, a professional artist and lecturer, was able to join the children for a workshop based on the 'John Martin's Grandmother's cat' story. They designed their own cats, copied these onto plywood, cut them out and took them home to be displayed in their gardens. A further Martin based school workshop was lead by Claudia Rankin. Here children produced some magnificent banners based on the story of Noah's Flood. This Art Exhibition proved so popular that it is hoped to repeat it as an annual event.



Haydon Bridge Community High School and Sports College (HBCHS and SC) John Martin Project

Five Day Project from 14th June 2004











The John Martin Project gave the opportunity for young people in year 10 of Haydon Bridge Community High School to pay tribute to the village's most famous artist. Art teachers Sheila Harrison and Anna Coulson have established an Art Department producing excellent results to which the students academic achievements bear witness. They had always wanted their students to be able to work on a large scale, as Martin did, but lacked the finances to accomplish this.

However, through the auspices of the John Martin Project, materials were provided and the services of a professional artist, Sarah Riseborough, were commissioned to mentor the group.

The students were able to visit the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle to see Martin works at first hand and see more contemporary events the Gateshead Baltic Art Workshop.

They set to work to produce three large canvases reflecting the Martin inspiration directed back to his birthplace village. The brilliant results you can see here on this Web page. The works are now on permanent exhibition in the Haydon Bridge Community Centre. The John Martin Project has also been able to commission a series of 17 framed copies of all of the Laing Art Gallery's available collection of Martin works which are also now on display at the Community Centre.

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