A RENOWNED dales artist who hit the headlines with a paper bridge strong enough to hold a car, has launched a brand new installation inspired by the waterfalls of the River Tees.

Steve Messam, of Teesdale, has transformed three simple whitewashed barns into a unique artwork called Waterfall which officially opened last night.

Mr Messam created the piece by filming each of the waterfalls of the River Tees - Cauldron Snout, High Force and Low Force in high definition, slow motion video.

The films were then projected onto three whitewashed barns that cascade down the hillside to the east of Bowlees Visitor Centre, in Newbiggin, Teesdale.

Mr Messam said: “I’m already loving the way the piece flows down the landscape.

“As you start walking up the track from Bowlees Visitor Centre, the piece slowly reveals itself until you reach the top of a little rise and the first barn appears with Low Force tumbling over it. It has a mesmerising solitude to it.”

He added: “There is something wonderful about creating a piece of art that sits in the middle of the landscape it is inspired by. Galleries certainly have their place and purpose in the world of art, but installations like this invite people, who may not normally engage with art, to come along and experience something new.

“Being outdoors, people can be really vocal about how the artwork makes them feel and discuss it with those around them without feeling the confines and behavioural requirements of a gallery upon them.

“We’re anticipating that some people will come and observe for long periods, others will walk past with only a passing glance, some will love it and some will hate it, but that’s the joy of art.”

Waterfall will show for six nights over this weekend until Monday and next weekend, October 21, 22 and 23.

It was organised by Durham County Council in association with North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership (North Pennines AONB Partnership) and by kind permission of Raby Estates.

It will also be accompanied by a series of workshops with local primary schools exploring the local landscape and geology which will be delivered by the North Pennines AONB Partnership and have been funded by the area’s county councillors, Richard Bell and Ted Henderson.

Director of the North Pennines AONB Partnership, Chris Woodley—Stewart, said: “The AONB Partnership is really pleased to be involved in this project, both through our visitor centre at Bowlees and through running sessions in schools associated with the work.

“Some art in the landscape can detract from it and be a discordant note; Steve’s is in itself beautiful, really fits well in the landscape and makes you think about it in new ways.”

Durham County Council’s portfolio holder for Economic Regeneration and Culture, Councillor Neil Foster, added: “The Waterfall installation is really breath-taking and a fantastic example of our commitment to expanding art out of the gallery and into local communities.

“The response from local people at the preview night was wonderful and it was a real joy to see the different ways that they interacted with the installation, from enjoying a walk all around the trail to getting up close to the projection to see the marvellous effect on the lime-washed barns.

“We hope that many more people will enjoy seeing the installation over this weekend and next.”