A unique artwork is inspiring visitors to a County Durham museum to share their love for the area.
Artist Kara Strachan is currently bringing to life a section of a giant ‘message wall’ at Beamish Museum – and offering members of the public the chance to get involved.
The wall features a mosaic-like image of County Durham landmarks made from hand-painted lettering.
The words that make up the image are all messages that members of the public have submitted to Durham County Council describing why they are proud of their connections to the area.
The wall is one of four sections which, when joined together, will form a massive mural – measuring 12 metres long by two metres high – depicting the very best of County Durham.
Members of the public are being encouraged to get involved this week by visiting four host locations, where they can see the wall being painted and contribute their message.
Kara and her team will be working on different sections of the wall today and tomorrow (Weds and Thurs, May 30/31) at Beamish Museum and Clayport Library, Durham.
And from Friday (June 1) they will be at The Witham, Barnard Castle, and Dalton Park, Murton.
Cllr Tracie Smith, Durham County Council’s Cabinet support member for Culture, Tourism and Leisure, said: “The message wall is a great way of celebrating all that’s great about our county but it’s also a fantastically clever piece of art.
“I’d encourage everyone to come along to one of our host locations to see it for themselves – and take the opportunity to have their message included.”
The wall, which is being developed as part of the council’s Celebrating Durham campaign, features landmarks including Seaham’s much-loved Tommy statue, the stunning Heritage Coast, Lumley Castle, the Emirates Riverside Ground at Chester-le-Street, a waggon from Beamish Museum, Durham Cathedral and High Force in Teesdale.
• Pictured above (front to back): Artist Kara Strachan; Cllr Tracie Smith, Cabinet support member for economic regeneration; Rhiannon Hiles, Deputy Director of Beamish; and Francesca Boyle, Courtney Smith and Marcin Kopkowski from Beamish.
