Member Article

Working together to mark Blaydon Races anniversary

The Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead has teamed up with the world’s largest paint and coatings manufacturer to prepare for the 150th anniversary of the Blaydon Races song.

The Gallery is home to William Irving’s painting The Blaydon Races, and staff from AkzoNobel’s Felling site in Gateshead have been working with Gallery staff to prepare for the anniversary of the famous Blaydon Races song in 2012.

Stef Anderson, Development Officer explained:

“AkzoNobel is a member of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums’ business partnership scheme, Connecting Through Culture.

“A group of staff from AkzoNobel’s International Paint business in Felling have been volunteering at the Shipley, helping to assemble materials which will be used with schools to celebrate the Blaydon Races 150th anniversary next year.“

The group compiled information packs for schools and assembled costumes so that pupils can dress up as some of the characters from the painting. The day was rounded off with the group composing a new verse for the Blaydon Races song, which will become a part of theShipleyArtGallery’s musical resources and used as an example during workshops in the schools.

Andrew Wood, Communications Manager at AkzoNobel’s International Paint business said:

“This has been a great opportunity to bring our business partnership with Tyne & Wear Museums to life.

“The work our volunteers have carried out will really make a difference to local schools and the quality of the Shipley Art Gallery’s anniversary activities.“

Stef Anderson adds:

“The day has been a great example of the arts and business working together for mutual benefit.“

As part of the Connecting through Culture scheme, members can take part in bespoke team building and staff development activities in some of the region’s leading museums and galleries.

For more information about Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums’ business partnership scheme, Connecting through Culture, contact Stef Anderson on (0191) 277 2173 or email stef.anderson@twmuseums.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Pybus .