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.
Phillip Larkin
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.
Turner

The painter JMW Turner was inspired by the spectacular North Pennines landscape, producing some of his best works in Upper Teesdale. He painted several scenes around Bowes before travelling to Cotherstone and Middleton-in-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.
Artists and local crafts today
Art isn't only in the past in the North Pennines. There is a wealth of quality painters, and craft workers - pottery, textiles, candles, metal work, jewellery to name a few - in and around the North Pennines.
Do you like a story?
If the answer is yes then head for the North Pennines Storytelling Festival (late September - early November 2009). Local and guest storytellers and music across the area. Call 0845 3454463/01229 861325 to find out more.
Web resource: Art and the Landscape
Allenheads Contemporary Arts
Find out more about Allenheads Contemporary Arts
Allen Valleys Community Website
Contains a wide range of information on the Allen Valleys of interest to a visitor
Arts on High
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
Made in Cumbria
Gateway site to over 500 Cumbrian craft, giftware and food producers subscribing to Made in Cumbria
Made in Northumberland
Discover crafts, speciality foods and music festivals from Northumberland
Network & The Art Tour
Find out more about this network of Northumberland artists
North Pennines Storytelling Festival
Find out more about this annual festival of storytelling
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
Lionel Playford - Artist
Garrigill-based painter Lionel Playford draws his inspiration from the hills, valleys and skies of the North Pennines AONB