THE AUCKLAND PROJECT – Our visit this fabulous enterprise

As we at The Arts Society Hambleton prepare for our upcoming 2024 AGM, we recollect our outstanding events of last year One was our highly successful visit to Bishop Auckland in Co Durham is the home of the Auckland Project. This ambitious undertaking is arguably one of the most successful arts /history regeneration projects in the country.

HISTORY - With links to the beginnings of Christianity in UK it became the seat of the very powerful Northern Bishops.  The Industrial Revolution saw a huge growth in population and prosperity of the town. Sadly, in the post WW 2 era, dependence on UK coal and industry, the area and town suffered a severe decline in which it remained. 

REGENERATION  - Sixteen years ago, a small group of very determined people set off on a hugely ambitious regeneration project based upon the town’s fast deteriorating historic buildings and illustrious past. Their ambition was to not only rescue and display historic buildings and artifacts, but to combine events, all integrated with the local community 

THE RESULT -  has been an astonishingly successful seven faceted Historic Destination to inform, entertain and enjoy. See more at https://aucklandproject.org  Headed by  Jonathan Ruffer his story is here   https://aucklandproject.org/about-us/the-story-of-the-auckland-project/

Our Events Secretary Jacquie writes about our visit: -

It was on 9 May 2024, 30 of us set off by coach for our visit to the incredible Auckland Project.We enjoyed coffee on arrival and then each embarked on whichever combination of the 3 sites we had chosen.   

The magnificent Castle with its collection of Zurbaran paintings was first call for many.              The recently completed Faith Museum explores 6,000 years of British religious history in an inclusive and imaginative way.

The Spanish Gallery is the UK’s first gallery dedicated to the art and culture of the Spanish Golden Age. Many of us found this quite an overwhelming visit, with so many priceless masterpieces on display, including works by El Greco, Murillo and Velazquez. Equally impressive, are the stunningly realistic, but 3D printed, Moorish tiles, mosaics and canvasses. The Gallery was opened by King Charles and the Queen of Spain in 2021

The Mining Gallery showcases the best of dramatic artwork about and by coalminers, which seems particularly relevant in an area with such an important mining heritage.

All in all, we had a fabulous day. If you weren’t able to join us on the day, you should visit the Auckland Project soon!”

The Project is not only about historic venues. It is a stage for several  large events, most notably THE KYREN - "an dramatic tale of England is an live 8000 audience outdoor show, which depicts vital moments in British history and myth spanning 2000 years.” With a cast 1000, many who are volunteers, see https://www.11arches.com/ 

The project also heavily linked into the local community encouraging education, participation and employment.  The Auckland project us truly worthy of a visit and your support.