THEME: DARKNESS
The given theme for this residency was Darkness and I decided to approach this in the context of the numerous water-bodies present across the environs of the village. I decided to ask the questions: What does the water carry in the darkness? Where does it travel? how does it move through the landscape and skycape?
Allenheads is home to the first ever Hydro-Powered electric engine, which was designed and built by the engineer William Armstrong. He also built a house nearby - 'Cragside' - which was packed with his hydro-powered inventions including the world's first ever hydro-powered electric light bulb! In the context of the water-reliant industrial activity that has taken place over the last 2 centuries, I was also curious to map the flow of the economic streams of profit that resulted from this water-powered industry.
Exploration and Research
I began visiting the streams and exploring the local landscape to get a feel for the lay of the land. As part of the initial mapping process, I examined OS maps to trace the network of streams, burns and rivers running through Allenheads. I identified the river running from the heart of the village as Goat Cleugh, merging with Allen Cleugh approx 500m to the SW of the village. The River East Allen also runs along the valley at the foot of the hill below ACA. I documented my explorations using photography, video and a written journal.
OS map, Allenheads, Allendale.
Stanhope, nr Allenheads.
I discovered that the landscape around Allenheads is carved with clearings in the abundant Heather bushes, for the express purpose of breeding and hunting grouse. The landowner lives in the original mine-owners house in the village and owns much of the land as pictured below. Due to the shooting activity, much of it is largely inaccessible to hikers and walkers. The gunshots ring out frequently across the remote hills. It was also interesting to learn that the building housing the village Hall had recently been purchased by this same Game-Keeper and, much to the discontentment of many villagers, has been converted into a private swimming pool. I spoke with Helen on the issue of land ownership as a wider issue and she shared the work of artist Pat Naldi, which inspired me to explore further the way that the water networks had been harnessed and used across the Pennines to generate power for the mining industry. Had this been a longer residency I would have probably chosen to explore this land rights issue further and was curious to hear the views of other members across the community.
The landscape around Allenheads is carved with clearings in the abundant Heather bushes, for the purpose of breeding and hunting grouse.
Fawside Reservoir, adjoining ACA.
Inspired by Nan Shepherd, following a river out of the village to the Watershed
I began to follow the River Goat Cleugh from the cafe at the heart of Allenheads village, clad in wellies and suncream, with swarms of midges above and slippery algae coating the rocks and stones on the riverbed underfoot. The midday sun shone, highlighting the drifting feathered seeds of the plants lining the riverbank like white embers dancing from a fire. At 29oC, I was glad to have packed plenty of water and supplies. The light was illuminating the rusty orange iron ore deposits lining the babbling brooks that joined the river periodically along the way. The untrodden terrain gleamed as the water flowed across it, and I ducked to crawl up the low tunnel which housed a glittering path upstream. The combination of the beauty of this hidden world, together with the unnerving excitement of stepping deeper into unexplored territory, with a fading phone signal, began to stoke my adventurous heart. I feel time melt away and my senses sharpen . Thinking of Nan Shepherd, I took care to step slowly and carefully, aware of each plant and insect coming into view. I noticed the unusual smell of mossy shaded coves along the bank and interesting fragments of stone, metal and pottery - remnants of the bustling mining community who would once have splashed their blackened faces with the cool waters that had flowed relentlessly past.
