North East: “Tactile Rock Art Project, Newcastle”

Members of Newcastle Society for Blind People on a visit to a Northumbrian rock art site This project aims to work with members of the Newcastle Society for the Blind.  The Society asked for about 10 – 15 volunteers who would be interested in becoming involved with an 8-12 month project exploring Neolithic Rock Art involving site trips in the North East of England, and the creation of artwork inspired by the trips. The rock art is at least 4000 – 5000 years old and is a great starting point for exploration of the past as it is open to interpretation by anyone as their original meanings have been lost.

A Rock Art Inspired Art Workshop This project offers participants the opportunity to experience sites and locations they may otherwise find difficult to access.  The first trip in autumn 2005 was to Roughting Lynn, with rock art expert Tertia Barnett. Further trips in 2006 will be to followed by other sites in the area, including to Lordenshaw where the group will have the opportunity to experience both a different site and art form as well as the chance to talk to a Community Archaeologist.




Once the group have experienced different forms of this art they will then discuss the possibility of creating a piece of artwork inspired by the things they have seen on their visits.