‘TURNER’S NORHAM: A CONTEMPORARY VIEW’ & NORHAM TURNER HERITAGE TRAIL 2018/19
Norham Arts successfully applied for funding and, in partnership with Heritage Interpretation Consultant, Ben Smith, drafted and designed the Norham Turner Heritage Trail.
The first board was unveiled in May 2019 by Turner expert, Professor David Hill, who also formally opened our exhibition of specially commissioned contemporary artworks inspired by Turner. This was held to coincide with an exhibition of Turner paintings (on loan from a number of galleries including The Tate), curated by James Lowther, Berwick Visual Arts (BVA).
It was in conjunction with Berwick Visual Arts (BVA) that we ran ‘Painting in the Style of Turner’ workshops on the riverbank, with artist Gill Walton SSA.
The film, ‘Mr Turner’ and the Sky Arts/Tate video ‘Tate Britain’s Great British Walks; Turner into the View Walk’ were screened.
There was also an exciting exhibition of artwork from schools in the Berwick catchment area titled ‘Painting in the Style of Turner’. A schools visit day was organised. This was attended by 113 young school children who enjoyed seeing their artwork mounted, framed, and hung in Norham Church. They also sketched on the riverbank, beside the new information panel, and participated in activities relating to the contemporary art exhibition and Heritage art collection.
Fifty stewards worked around the clock, and many people helped behind the scenes to make ‘Turner Week’ such a resounding success.
Feedback from the steady stream of visitors to the exhibitions was very encouraging. Comments included:
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‘Super exhibition - the hall looks amazing - befitting of a city gallery. Well thought out exhibits.
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‘So proud it is in Norham.’ - Norham resident
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‘Very atmospheric to hear about Turner in a place that so inspired him!’