2004 is the 150th anniversary of the death (and 215th of the birth in Haydon Bridge) of the renown Victorian artist and engraver John Martin. From humble early years in the Haydon Bridge he rose to be the most popular artist of his day. His romantic subjects drew on the influences gained from his childhood in the countryside of Tynedale and his firm belief in the Bible created his apocalyptic vision interpretations. He became the master of the 'Sublime' and his mezzotint works were unsurpassed.

Examples of his work are in the collections of the Laing Art Gallery and Hatton Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne; Tate Britain, London and galleries in the USA.

The project aims to celebrate his life and work and increase the knowledge of him both locally and outside of the Haydon Bridge area. A series of art based workshops have been held with local residents and school children. Research will be documented through a CD-ROM, video/DVD, extension of the existing www.wojm.org.uk Web site, souvenir book, heritage trail guide booklets and interpretive panels and a new Haydon Bridge Visitor Web site to raise visitors awareness of our John Martin Heritage.

A series of John Martin related events have already been staged to raise his public profile, including a memorial service in Haydon Bridge at the cottage where he was born in 1789.

Group Name		The Friends of Haydon Bridge
Project Contact		Mike Parkin
Address		c/o The Rambler, Brigwood, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Northumberland
Project Postcode		NE47 6EX
Finishing Date		30 June 2006
See also		The Friends of Haydon Bridge website

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