Northumberland beauty spot to get large scale public…

Northumberland beauty spot to get large scale public artwork this summer in Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival

A large scale public artwork is coming to Northumberland National Park this summer as part of the celebrations for the Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival.

Named APERTURA, the artwork is set against the backdrop of the picturesque Walltown Country Park near Greenhead on the border of Northumberland and Cumbria. The sonic sculpture is made up of 1900 copper wind chimes, with the aim of creating an evolving soundscape with the everchanging breeze.

Said to be inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall and the stunning landscapes of Northumberland National Park, the designers hope APERTURA will frame and provide a new viewpoint to this section of the Wall, inviting audiences to experience a constantly changing, interactive spectacle of shimmering light and sound.

The artwork is being delivered by a team led by Gateshead based artists Ed Carter, who is working with long-time collaborators Nicky Kirk and Tony Broomhead for more than 20 years. The team have already delivered several high profile artistic, architectural and temporary projects in the UK and abroad.

At the end of the installation period, the temporary suspended chimes will be given to local schools and community groups as sets of wind chimes, to ensure the work creates a legacy from the 1900th anniversary that remains in the local communities around Hadrian's Wall.

Hadrians Wall, Walltown quarry (Newcastle Chronicle)

Ed Carter said: " The history of Walltown Country Park provides the ideal context in which to explore the ideas behind this piece of work. The quarrying work has left a large opening in a central section of Hadrian’s Wall, offering a tangible analogy for the notion that “openings mediate between the worlds separated by architectural barriers” (Rudolph Arnheim)."

APERTURA has been funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and is free to attend. Part of the project team is engaging with local communities to contribute to the artwork by designing their own sails, which will be added to each wind chime, with public sessions advertised via the website.

Lady Jane Gibson, Chair of Hadrian's Wall Partnership, said: " APERTURA is an artwork that interprets this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site within a contemporary context, the location providing a monumental platform to shape a cultural dialogue about togetherness, and commonality. We can't wait to invite visitors from around the world to come and celebrate this special event."

Tony Gates, Chief Executive Officer of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: " Northumberland National Park is delighted to be hosting Apertura at Walltown Country Park. The site is one of our most accessible locations, with wheel friendly routes and a Changing Places facility within the visitor centre, making it possible for a wide range of people to enjoy the installation in the landscape over the summer."

APERTURA will be installed at Walltown Country Park from Friday August 26 until Sunday September 11. For more information on the Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival and the installation of APERTURA, click here.

Any groups interested in contributing to the project by designing sails to add to the chimes should email info@hadrianswall1900.co.uk.

Have you been to any of the events celebrating the Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival? Let us know!

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