JOHN MARTIN K.L.

(1789-1854)

150 - 215 Year Anniversary Events

Haydon Bridge

2004 saw the 215 anniversary of the birth and 150th of the death of John Martin. Haydon Parish Council with 'The Friends of Haydon Bridge' arranged a series of workshops and events with the community to celebrate and commemorate these occasions. The celebrations took place between 17th February, his death and 19th July, his birth dates. This helped to raise awareness both locally and nationally of the contribution made by John Martin of Haydon Bridge, the most popular artist of his day.

On 8th April 2006, a new 'John Martin Heritage Trail' was opened. For full details of this walk click here.

These events were undertaken with financial assistance from the Local Heritage Initiative:- LHI is a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, Nationwide Building Society and the Countryside Agency. (The participation of Haydon Parish Council, The 'Friends of Haydon Bridge', Hadrian's Wall Tourism Partnership, Tynedale District Council and The National Trust is also acknowledged)

Details of events are listed here on the web site. These included lectures on Martin's life and artistic contribution to the re-emergence of landscape art in Victorian times. Local artists, both professional and amateur, arranged exhibitions, workshops and installations during this period. Local schools benefited from Martin inspired projects including a re-working of his 'Last Judgement' trilogy on three large scale canvases.

There were music and poetry evenings again reflecting on his era, his contemporaries and the area of the Tyne and Allen Valleys which so inspired him.

Monthly guided walks under the title 'Views That Inspire' were arranged again through the area of his childhood haunts which were to prove such an influence on his later work. A permanent 'John Martin Trail' with information boards is being established. This will be opened at Easter 2005.

Thanks is extended to local outlets below who helped with the event ticket arrangements.

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