Great Exhibition of the North

Great Exhibition of the North. The Great Exhibition of the North was a summer-long celebration of the North of England's art, culture, design, and innovation, featuring exhibits and events from renowned institutions such as the British Museum, National Gallery, and Natural History Museum. This exhibition was inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851, which was held in London and showcased the achievements of the British Empire. The Great Exhibition of the North was supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and featured contributions from notable figures such as Antony Gormley, Grayson Perry, and Sting.

Introduction

The Great Exhibition of the North was a unique opportunity for the North of England to showcase its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, with exhibits and events highlighting the region's connections to Hadrian's Wall, Lake District National Park, and the Pennines. The exhibition featured a range of interactive displays and installations, including works by Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread, and Damien Hirst, as well as performances by Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, and BBC Philharmonic. The event was also supported by Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Transport for the North, and VisitEngland, and featured collaborations with University of Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Durham, and Manchester Metropolitan University. The exhibition's programme was curated by a team of experts from Tate Britain, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Science Museum, and included contributions from British Library, National Archives, and Imperial War Museum.

History

The idea for the Great Exhibition of the North was first proposed by George Osborne, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, as part of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, which aimed to boost economic growth and investment in the North of England. The exhibition was later supported by Theresa May, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Philip Hammond, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, who recognized the importance of promoting the region's cultural and economic assets, including its connections to Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield. The exhibition's history was also influenced by the Industrial Revolution, which had a profound impact on the North of England and its industries, including textiles, coal mining, and shipbuilding, and featured exhibits on the region's industrial heritage, including its connections to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Robert Stephenson, and George Stephenson.

Exhibitions and Events

The Great Exhibition of the North featured a wide range of exhibitions and events, including a Get North water sculpture, designed by Antony Gormley, which was located on the Quayside in Newcastle upon Tyne, and a Great North Museum: Hancock, which showcased the region's natural history and connections to Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Joseph Banks. The exhibition also included a Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, which featured works by Grayson Perry, Rachel Whiteread, and Damien Hirst, as well as performances by Royal Northern Sinfonia, Northern Ballet, and Leeds Playhouse. The event also featured a range of interactive displays and installations, including a BBC-commissioned Virtual Reality experience, which allowed visitors to explore the region's stunning natural beauty, including its connections to North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park, and Peak District National Park.

Venues and Locations

The Great Exhibition of the North took place in various venues and locations across Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead, including the Quayside, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and Sage Gateshead, which is a renowned music venue and home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia. The exhibition also featured events and exhibits in other locations, such as the Great North Museum: Hancock, Discovery Museum, and Seven Stories National Centre for Children's Books, which is dedicated to the works of Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, and Michael Morpurgo. The event was also supported by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Gateshead Council, and Newcastle City Council, and featured collaborations with Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, and The Hepworth Wakefield.

Legacy and Impact

The Great Exhibition of the North had a significant impact on the North of England, promoting the region's cultural and economic assets, and attracting visitors from across the United Kingdom and beyond, including London, Birmingham, and Glasgow. The exhibition also helped to boost the local economy, with many businesses and organizations benefiting from the increased tourism and investment, including Nissan, Siemens, and Barclays. The event was also recognized for its contribution to the region's cultural scene, with many of the exhibits and events being showcased in other locations, such as the Tate Liverpool, Manchester Art Gallery, and National Media Museum. The legacy of the Great Exhibition of the North continues to be felt, with many of the initiatives and projects launched during the event still ongoing, including collaborations with BBC, Channel 4, and ITV, and featuring contributions from notable figures such as David Attenborough, Stephen Fry, and Joanna Lumley.

Category:Exhibitions in the United Kingdom