Mural unveiled at Bellingham Heritage Centre

Dec 16 2010 The Journal

A MURAL depicting rural life in the region has been unveiled at a Northumberland visitor attraction.

Ninety-Nine Northumbriana was painted by local artist Rachel Pearson on the back of two access doors at The Heritage Centre, in Bellingham, that were previously painted a dull brown colour. The mural features 99 images related to life in the county, many of which were chosen by the centre’s visitors.

Rachel said: “I had decided on the majority of the images before I started the work.

“But I thought it would be interesting to solicit some from the public, including web-viewers from far-off places. I am delighted that I had this new audience for my work.

“I was happy to explain to visitors what I was doing and why I chose the images I did.

“When it was suggested that I do live webcasts, I went along with the idea. It was both exciting and terrifying.” The names of those who put forward ideas for the mural have been put into a draw and the winner, chosen at random, received a limited edition print of a watercolour by Rachel of Hesleyside Woods in Spring.

For information on the centre log onto www.bellingham-heritage.org.uk.