This post is sponsored as part of the Celebrating Hidden Middlesbrough campaign.
As we all know, there’s so much that Middlesbrough is known for – the industrial skyline, the Transporter Bridge, Steph McGovern, and the birthplace of the parmo. But did you know that there’s a massively rich history behind the buildings, people and places? That’s exactly what Navigator North‘s new creative programme, Celebrating Hidden Middlesbrough, aims to bring to the surface and highlight through creative arts. This is part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) for Middlesbrough, working with Middlesbrough Council.
Over the next 2 years, this programme will illuminate how the buildings, industries, people and communities have influenced the broader culture of the town and offer us alternative ways to think about and use the modern high street. Throughout the programme, we’ll see artist residencies, commissions and a high street project space, all based on historically significant buildings, heritage archives and public collections.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? And I was lucky enough to be invited to one of the interactive research days with Frances Moffatt, a freelance illustrator and educator, to learn about some local history and try my hand at reportage illustration.
Arriving at Navigator North & talks
This was actually my first time visiting Navigator North, which is shocking, I know. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the gorgeous green tiled building in Boro town centre, but if not, this former pub is now home to the artist-led organisation. From here, they host exhibitions and activities to raise the profile of artists and creative practice in the North East.
The building is absolutely fabulous and is a little slice of history in itself! It was so gorgeous to walk around and take in the current exhibition about Celebrating Hidden Middlesbrough (as well as see some of Layla Khoo’s ceramics work, including a very macabre piece called Hand Of Glory. Briefly, it features a ceramic cast of a real, preserved human hand, which was used to carry a candle as a form of protection for burglars.). The whole space is just amazing!
And before long, it was time to settle in with a cuppa (on a particularly blustery, cold day), and indulge some history and illustration talks.
First up, we heard from the local historian, poet and artist, p.a. morbid, about the history of Middlesbrough’s Winter Garden, which was fascinating. I’d heard chat about the Winter Garden in the past, but never really knew what it was or where it had stood. I was especially interested to learn that it was owned by the Bell family, the same family that Gertrude Bell was a part of!
I definitely can’t talk about it as well as morbid, but the Winter Garden opened in October 1907 as a teetotal place for men and women to go to socialise, play games, listen to music, and see the exhibitions of reprints that Florence would put up. After a very colourful life, it closed its doors in 1939, and the Dundas Arcade now sits on the site where it once stood. You can actually see a blue plaque at the back of the Dundas Arcade about it!
Next up, we were treated to a talk from Frances Moffatt all about reportage illustration. I’ll admit, the concept was completely new to me, but I loved the quick style, imperfect lines, and the ‘sketch on the go’ energy. As someone who hasn’t drawn for years, the idea of it being a bit imperfect sat very well with me. After seeing lots of examples and seeing some of Frances’ lockdown work, I was about ready to get going with my sketchbook and pen! But first… lunch!
Lunch & exploring at Base Camp
Base Camp is an absolutely fabulous, independent creative space in Exchange Square, right in the heart of Middlesbrough’s cultural sector. Primarily, it’s a venue for all kinds of art, music and events, but they also opened up a kitchen this year! That means you go along and soak up the arty vibes while tucking into an all vegan menu. I was yet to visit the kitchen, so I was really excited to go along as part of this day!
We were treated to nibbles of gorgeous roast garlic bruschetta, and homemade hummus with warm pitta slices. I could’ve eaten the garlic bruschetta allllll day! But I had to leave room for the beautiful five bean chilli with nachos, as well as the specially made layered dessert, which featured vegan mousse, custard and a biscuity base. It was all so fantastic and it’s given me the itch to go back and try their street food menu. Check them out on Instagram for a better look.
And not only did we get fed at Base Camp, we also got a grand tour of the whole building. We got to take a peek where many people don’t, such as down in the basement, which is under development and could be turned into the perfect gig space. We also ventured upstairs to see the incredible office – seriously high ceiling, lots of natural light, and a view of Middlesbrough to die for. It was such a treat and we were so appreciative to get a look. Many people sketched as we went, but I’ll be honest, I was so in awe that I didn’t draw a thing!
Illustrating in The Zetland
Once we’d explored the whole of Base Camp, we meandered over to The Zetland, a stunning, hidden Victorian gem on Zetland Road. Built around 1860, the Grade 2 listed building is the second oldest in Middlesbrough, and noted for its special architecture and historic interest. I’m talking about mosaic flooring, carved panelling, molded handrails, chandeliers, and so much more. It’s so grand and amazing, I really recommend you go take a look sometime!
And not only did we get to see this building, but we got to do some drawing, both in the bar area and in the exquisite dining room. It was a fabulous experience and I wish I’d managed to capture more of it in my illustrations, but again, I felt like I spent so much time in total awe!
Overall, the day was fantastic. I knew I’d enjoy it, but I enjoyed it so much more than I expected. I learned a lot, got to dabble in a new style of illustration, and eat some gorgeous food. There wasn’t a single thing I would change about it!
It’s also made me so excited to see the rest of the Celebrating Hidden Middlesbrough programme, and I hope you’re looking forward to it too. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled on Navigator North’s Instagram for future updates!
