Seasonal Watercolours from NHSN's North East Nature Archive
Schedule
Tue, 05 May, 2026 at 02:00 pm to Tue, 13 Oct, 2026 at 02:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Great North Museum: Hancock | Newcastle upon Tyne, EN
About this Event
Seasonal Watercolours from NHSN's North East Nature Archive (NENA)
Spring / Summer / Autumn
Key Information
Event lead: Mark Bletcher
Event length: Tuesday 5 May, 2pm - 4pm
Meet at: Great North Museum: Hancock
Event cost: NHSN Members £35, Non-members £40
About this Event
Join us for a seasonal watercolour workshop inspired by the flora and fauna of NHSN's North East Nature Archive (NENA). Following a short introduction from Heritage Researcher Rachel Anderson to the watercolour illustrations of 19th-century artist Margaret Dickinson, we’ll spend the afternoon creating our own paintings in response to these beautiful archival works.
This workshop is part of a series of three sessions, each celebrating a different season, from fresh spring botanicals to summer butterflies and autumn fungi. You’re welcome to join us for one, two, or all three sessions, but please note that each session must be booked individually.
This workshop is open to all experience levels and offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to engage with some of your favourite seasonal subjects.
Tuesday 5 May: Spring Flowers with Margaret Dickinson's botanical watercolours
Tuesday 11 August: Butterflies and Moths with the William Chapman Hewitson archive
Tuesday 13 October: Autumn Fungi with Sarah Dickson's fungi drawings
Artist Mark Bletcher will introduce simple watercolour painting techniques to help you build a painting step by step, including working with light washes, layering colour, and adding detail. You’re welcome to follow the guided approach or explore in your own way.
All materials will be provided and light refreshments including tea, coffee and biscuits, will be served.
Accessibility
The NHSN Council Room is fully accessible via the lift towards the back of the museum.
About the Tutor
Mark Bletcher lives and works in Newcastle Upon Tyne. He received his BA in Fine art from Newcastle University (2019). He received the Elizabeth Greenshields Award (2023-4). Bletcher received the Gwen May Award from the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (2020). He has exhibited with OHSH Projects (2023), Northern Print (2023), Newcastle Contemporary (2022) and Gallagher and Turner (2022).
Where is it happening?
Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 35.00 to GBP 40.00
