Lead on the Tyne: The past, present and future of Elswick Lead Works

Join artist Julia Heslop for a unique look at the history of the Elswick Lead Works, exploring Lead Production on Tyneside.
About this Event

Elswick Lead Works occupies a unique place in the story of Newcastle’s early industrialisation. The Lead Works was not only the earliest of the significant manufacturing industries along the West Newcastle riverside, in operation for almost 70 years before the adjacent river banks were developed, but it was the last to cease manufacturing in the area, finally closing at the beginning of the 21st century. Artist Julia Heslop has been exploring the past, present and future of the Lead Works site, as plans are afoot to redevelop the site for new housing. In this talk, she will explore the process of lead production, from the initial mining of it in the North Pennines to the manufacture of products on the banks of the Tyne. The talk will highlight issues of health and safety and environmental pollution in the lead industry, as well as what life was like to work there. Returning to the present day the talk will discuss the site today, from the birds and plants which have colonised this brownfield landscape to the architectural traces that remain on this remarkable site