Historic England is funding two community-focused cultural projects as part of North Shields 800th anniversary celebrations
Globe Gallery
A project led by Globe Gallery will recognise the town’s links with the history of Plasticine, and a Plasticine artist will work with communities to commemorate and celebrate local landmarks
Helix Arts
A second project led by Helix Arts will work with five local schools to celebrate the town’s historic anniversary
The two projects will contribute to the continued growth of the North Shields Cultural Quarter.
Historic England has announced funding for two community-focused cultural projects as part of the North Shields 800th anniversary celebrations (NS800).
Awarded to the Linskill Trust, the funding will support creative heritage initiatives delivered by established local organisations Globe Gallery and Helix Arts.
Both projects aim to help the local people taking part to learn more about the area’s history, develop skills and unleash their creative potential, and emerging local artists will be trained to work with heritage themes.
Globe Gallery – Harbutt’s Plasticine
A project led by Globe Gallery celebrates the legacy of William Harbutt, the North Shields-born inventor of Plasticine and a pioneer of creative education.
Artist Kitty McKay, known for her distinctive work, Painting with Plasticine, will collaborate with local community groups to explore Harbutt’s legacy and North Shields’ creative identity.
Participants will create Plasticine postcards and contribute personal stories about local landmarks, such as the lost Hawkeys Lane outdoor pool.
Their stories will be brought to life in a major installation due to open later in the year, including immersive video and sound elements developed in collaboration with a local videographer.
Born in 1844 in North Shields, William Harbutt played a vital role in shaping British art education and creative practice. He developed Plasticine as a non-drying modelling material for his students – an invention that went on to revolutionise the art world.
The Globe Gallery project is part of a wider “Threads of Time” programme which marks the gallery’s 30th anniversary with a series of artist residencies, exhibitions, and a commemorative publication featuring essays, images, and community testimonials.
Helix Arts – Shiels’ Cultural Ambassadors
A separate project led by Helix Arts North Tyneside Cultural Education Partnership will work with young people in North Shields to create new artworks about their vision for the town’s future, informed by its past.
Shiels’ Cultural Ambassadors is a programme working with five local schools, each of which will be matched with a local artist. The schools taking part are:
● Christchurch C of E Primary School
● Spring Gardens Primary School
● St Thomas More Catholic High School
Artworks created by the young people will feature in an exhibition and celebration event later in the year to celebrate their vision for the future of North Shields.
The Shiels’ Cultural Ambassadors work forms part of a wider programme from Helix Arts, entitled “Invent your Future – Celebrating the Past and Future of North Shields”.
Historic England’s wider work in North Shields
The two new projects will contribute to the continued growth of the North Shields Cultural Quarter and build on the success of the North Shields High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).
Funded by Historic England, the four-year HAZ was delivered between 2020 and 2024 and combined physical improvements, community and cultural activities to deliver lasting improvements to the town’s historic high street.
Historic England is also funding a separate project entitled “When the Boat Comes In” as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations. Centred on the North Shields Fish Quay, this project aims to uncover the rich heritage of the town’s fishing community.
Comments
“North Shields has a remarkably rich heritage that deserves to be celebrated in its 800th year. What makes these projects special is how they connect that history to present-day communities in imaginative ways.
From celebrating the town’s links to the history of Plasticine – now a household name worldwide – to empowering young people as cultural ambassadors, this funding supports innovative approaches to heritage that build skills and create lasting legacies for North Shields.”
Jules Brown, Historic Places Adviser at Historic England
“We are delighted that Historic England has awarded funding to these projects, which celebrate North Shields past, present and future.
We are shining a spotlight on North Shields as a place of innovation, industry and invention as part of our 800th anniversary celebrations. The town is well known for its fishing, mining and railway heritage, and Globe Gallery has taken inspiration from the North Shields-born inventor of plasticine with its Harbutt’s Plasticine project.
The young people of North Shields will be making their voices heard in the Shiels Ambassadors project with Helix Arts, bringing their creativity and energy to our calendar of events.”
Sir Alan Campbell MP, Chair of the North Shields
“It is fantastic news that Historic England has awarded this funding to our North Shields 800 celebrations. It will support two projects that promote the rich history and creative spirit of the town.
“I look forward to seeing the artworks produced by the Harbutt’s Plasticine and Shiels Ambassadors projects, as we bring our communities together to inspire local pride and celebrate this very special year for North Shields.”
Karen Clark, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside
Photo credit: Colin Davison, Rosella Studios
“We’re thrilled to receive this support from Historic England. William Harbutt’s influence reaches far beyond his invention. His belief in hands-on creativity and community access to the arts continues to inspire our work. This residency will shine a light on his legacy and on the extraordinary cultural fabric of North Shields.”
Rashida Davison, Director of Globe Gallery
“Engaging children and young people through our work with schools in North Shields is critical to helping celebrate the town’s 800-year history, bringing their everyday experiences to life of living in the town. Our artists in residence will co-create artworks with pupils to explore the town’s past as the starting point to think about what its future might look like. The exhibition and awards in November include work from a dedicated NS800 schools resource too which will be a perfect way to emphasise all the young people’s aspirations.”
Cheryl Gavin, Director of Helix Arts
“As an active partner in the North Shields 800th Anniversary Committee, Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust is delighted that Historic England has agreed to support this year-long celebration by providing a generous grant to support the delivery of two exciting projects.
“These will undoubtedly add to the quality of the programme of projects and events on offer and help ensure that local children, young people and adults can learn more about their town’s fascinating history and accomplishments.”
Simeon Ripley, Chief Executive, Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust
