We are delighted to be the home of the Weardale tub.
Taking inspiration from on of lead mining tubs, local artist Mark Burns Cassell’s idea was brought to life by artist and sculptor Dr Ron Lawson; who built the metal frame of the tub. From there, 500 individual blank glass tiles where hand cut by glass artists Jayne Johnson, Joy Dagless and Robyn Townsend and the Weardale tub was born.
The tub made its way up the Wear Valley, starting at Witton-le-Wear to its final destination, here at Killhope. Along the way the artists worked with 500 local people aged from 3 to 90+ years to create the story of Weardale. They used inspiration from local heritage to songs, family history and working life; depicting what it’s like to live in Weardale.
After 35 community-based workshops the tiles were ready and the story set. They then travelled downstream towards the mouth of the River Wear, to be fired at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland. Once fired the finished panels made their journey back along the river valley to its source at Killhope where it will now stay.
Cllr Joy Allen, said: “The tub is incredibly striking, and is special in that it holds pieces created by the community.
“It will continue to be displayed at Killhope, standing as a shining light on our industrial past and a testament to the creativity and beauty we build upon today.”
To see the 500 tiles in person is a sight to behold – a must see.
