Back in early March a small group of parishioners took a trip to Bishop Auckland. We went to the Mining art gallery which was full of artworks of mining history with many painted by miners themselves. Some of the images were extremely powerful and moving. The museum had some history of mining in the North East which was interesting to both those who were born and raised in the area during the mining era and those of us who are from a quite different part of the country.

We also visited the newly opened Faith museum located in Auckland castle. This was a comprehensive tour through
the history of faith in the UK going back thousands of years to 6,000 years ago. Four gallery spaces over two floors
house temporary exhibitions. There were some beautiful artefacts with jewellery and objects of religious significance.
Over 250 objects from around the country are showcased in the museum. Some of it was really rather unusual
especially a necklace for a baby. We walked through the museum moving through the years of religious history.
There was a hauntingly beautiful blue iris on a screen in one room. You could immerse yourself in the image and sounds. My personal favourite part was the collection of paintings by Robert Wagner depicting Biblical scenes with some modern settings. The road to Damascus was contemporary and desolate and the image of Jesus writing in the dirt during the stoning of a woman was extremely powerful - extra moving as in many ways times haven’t changed. The last corridor contained some facts about religious faith today. A piece by Khadija Saye who died in the Grenfell Tower fire left me feeling really quite hollow.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the trip. I would personally like to go back when the weather has improved and explore the castle grounds which are being renovated at the moment. There is so much there to enjoy and discover. 

A video of the Eidolon by Mat Collishaw can be seen on our church YouTube channel. https://youtube.com/@StPaulsChurchRyhope