Hexham Old Gaol to undergo transformation

A new project will reimagine the exhibition spaces at Hexham Old Gaol, enriching nearly 700 years of history with modern insights and community collaboration.

Museums Northumberland has secured a £40,000 Art Fund Reimagine grant to revitalise what is England’s first purpose-built prison. Built in 1333 using recycled stone from a Roman site in nearby Corbridge, the prison operated until the 1820s when it became a bank and solicitors’ office.

It was turned into a museum in 1980 and was originally known as the Middlemarch Centre for Border History, showcasing centuries of criminal justice history, nationhood, poverty, heroism and human rights.

Over the next two years, acclaimed illustrator Jonny Hannah will collaborate with local communities and HMP Northumberland to create impactful and engaging displays that bring the Gaol’s stories to life in a vibrant, accessible way.

Jonny said: “Every community, place, town or region has stories to tell. I find this fascinating.

“And some people may think their stories aren’t important enough, but I’ve found that’s not the case. Urban Folklore as I call it, is a vast pool of inspiration for me, with small nuggets waiting to be uncovered and brought to life by me as a visual statement.

“This could be an eight foot painting on board, or a newspaper or comic book, or a woodcut or screenprint.”

The project will delve into themes of imprisonment, criminal justice, and human rights, connecting Hexham’s historic narratives, including the Tudor Gaol Break of 1538, the notorious Border Reivers and the Hexham Riots of 1761, with contemporary issues.

Rowan Brown, chief executive of Museums Northumberland, added: “Anyone that visited Hexham Old Gaol during Jonny Hannah’s fantastic countywide exhibition Northumberland Folk will know how his work transforms spaces; using local stories shared by the community to bring museum and heritage collections to life.

“We want to use Jonny’s unique approach to developing art with local people to transform Hexham Old Gaol into an engaging ‘story box’ where people of all ages and abilities can learn about the history of the building, its impact on the local area, and the how it still plays a part in the story of Northumberland today.”

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