AN art project celebrating the achievements of women is to be unveiled as part of a weekend of events to promote the importance of a North-East river.

The Gem Trail is a series of artworks at nine locations, leading from the Locomotion railway museum, at Shildon, through Hackworth Park, to the town’s library.

It forms part of The Big Weekend, being organised by Discover Brightwater, on the weekend of October 1 and 2.

Discover Brightwater is a £3.3m landscape partnership based around the River Skerne, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and made possible by those who play the National Lottery.

The Big Weekend is designed to showcase the beauty and heritage of the places to be found along the route of the river, which flows from near the Trimdons through to Darlington.

The Gem Trail is one of The Big Weekend highlights and follows a period of community engagement by Sunderland-based freelance photographic artist Jo Howell.

“The idea for The Gem Trail came out of discussions with local people about what they thought was important and what emerged was a desire to see a spotlight shone on the women of the area because it is traditionally a very masculine landscape,” explained Jo.

“It’s been a fascinating project for me because it started straight after lockdown, at quite a precarious time for people, so it was nice to get out, engage with people, and work with the community.”

The result is that the trail features women’s stories, including references to the Suffragette movement, Jane Hackworth – a descendant of the town’s railway pioneers – and the Aycliffe Angels. Jo has also liaised with the Women’s Banner Group to reflect the role of women in the history of mining.

Each element of the trail has been created from historical photographs, using a process called Cyanotype, to produce sculptural pieces and photographic artworks. Railway sleepers have been used as way-markers for the trail, with metal panels for the artworks.

Laura Waugh, Training and Community Project Manager for Discover Brightwater, said: “We are incredibly excited to highlight the strong women from communities within the Brightwater area and how they have contributed to our rich, local heritage. Using this historical art process, The Gem Trail enables these women to continue to inspire us along with future generations.”

  • To find out more about The Big Weekend, go to: www.discoverbrightwater.com/big-weekend/