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
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
Alston Artists
Arts trails of open studios, exhibitions and other events around Alston Moor - includes 16 artists and makers
Aurora Creative Arts
Aurora is a collective of artists and craftspersons based in Northumberland and Tyneside
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...
Lionel Playford - Artist
Garrigill-based painter Lionel Playford draws his inspiration from the hills, valleys and skies of the North Pennines AONB
Made in Cumbria
Gateway site to over 500 Cumbrian craft, giftware and food producers subscribing to Made in Cumbria
Network & The Art Tour
Find out more about this network of Northumberland artists
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
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.
Teesdale Artists Network & Teesdale Open Studios
Professional artists' collective - find out more here...
Teesdale Artists Network & Teesdale Open Studios (Offsite link)