Art and the Landscape

The landscapes of the North Pennines have a rich association with people - past and present - as well as works of art, poetry and great literature

Inspirational... a North Pennines landscape by Lionel Playford

An inspirational landscape

Visit the North Pennines today and you'll be following in the footsteps of some of the country's finest artists and writers. WH Auden, one of the central figures of 20th Century poetry, loved the lead mining landscapes of the area. The North Pennines were to him what the Lake District was to Wordsworth.

Spectacular

The poet Phillip Larkin was a frequent visitor to the Tar Bar'ls Ceremony in Allendale and was often found in the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland. Dickens also explored Teesdale in the 1840s whilst researching Nicholas Nickleby. The painter JMW Turner was inspired by the spectacular North Pennines landscape, producing some of his best works in Upper Teesdale. Following what is now the route of the Pennine Way National Trail he made his way up the dale and across the moors to Dufton, via High Cup Nick. On his way he immortalised many North Pennines scenes - not least High Force waterfall.

Pennine Painting

Today's visitors can also find inspiration - and expert local tuition - on the art holidays run by Lionel and Alex Playford. Two, three and four-day drawing and painting courses based at their Rose House Studio and Gallery in Garrigill run between March and November in 2010. For more information click on the Pennine Painting link below.

Web resource: Art and the Landscape

Allen Valleys Community Website

Contains a wide range of information on the Allen Valleys of interest to a visitor

Allen Valleys Community Website

Alston Craft Workers

Find out more about Alston Craft Workers

Alston Craft Workers

Alston Artists

Arts trails of open studios, exhibitions and other events around Alston Moor - includes 16 artists and makers

Alston Artists

Aurora Creative Arts

Aurora is a collective of artists and craftspersons based in Northumberland and Tyneside

Aurora Creative Arts

Eden Arts

Find out more about Eden Arts

Eden Arts

Highlights Rural Touring Scheme

Highlights works in partnership with over 60 voluntary groups in Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland to bring high quality, professional theatre, music, dance and craft events to village halls, schools and community centres. Find out more here...

Highlights Rural Touring Scheme

Lionel Playford - Artist

Garrigill-based painter Lionel Playford draws his inspiration from the hills, valleys and skies of the North Pennines AONB

Lionel Playford - Artist

Made in Cumbria

Gateway site to over 500 Cumbrian craft, giftware and food producers subscribing to Made in Cumbria

Made in Cumbria

Network & The Art Tour

Find out more about this network of Northumberland artists

Network & The Art Tour

Pennine Painting - Art Holidays

Art holidays run by Lionel and Alex Playford. Two and four day drawing and painting courses based at their Rose House Studio in Garrigill

Pennine Painting - Art Holidays

Phil Townsend, North Pennines Sculpture

Phil designs and makes outdoor sculpture in materials that sit easily with both the natural environment and the man-made.

Phil Townsend, North Pennines Sculpture

Teesdale Artists Network & Teesdale Open Studios

Professional artists' collective - find out more here...

Teesdale Artists Network & Teesdale Open Studios