AN EXHIBITION placing the spotlight on the women in the life of romantic poet Lord Byron has opened in east Durham.

The display by members of the East Durham Artists’ Network (Edan) at the Art Block, in Seaham, commemorates the 200th anniversary of Lord Byron’s doomed marriage to Anne Milbanke.

The couple married in nearby Seaham Hall on January 2, 1815 and later that year had a daughter Augusta Ada, who became Countess Lovelace.

Edan chairman Jean Lowes said: “The exhibition entitled Women and Byron contains well-researched fine art pieces using watercolour, collage, textiles, photography and poetry.

“We also have a copy of the original marriage certificate found in St Mary’s Church.

“We wanted to have an exhibition looking at not just Lord Byron but some of the famous women in his life.”

She added: “A collection of fans, which at that time were used to convey flirtatious messages, have been decorated by members of group.

“I have also knitted shawls and embroidered them with equations generated by of Ada, who collaborated with Charles Babbage.”

Their partnership marks the true birth of computer science.

While Babbage has gone down in history as having invented computer hardware she has been credited as being the first programmer.

One of Mrs Lowes’ works, showing the connection Ada Lovelace has with the modern world, comprises circuit board and miniature portrait of the poet's daughter.

The exhibition runs until February 14. Opening times are 11am to 3pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Admission free.