New playing cards celebrate the heritage and creativity of west Gateshead
A newly designed pack of cards featuring historic scenes from the west of Gateshead has been launched at an event at Gateshead Central Library on Thursday 6 March.
The one-of-a-kind creations were revealed to the public for the first time during the celebration opened by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Kathleen McCartney. During the event, residents were also treated to a captivating talk by City Guide Tony Stephenson about the histories of the communities involved.
The cards, developed with residents from Highfield, High Spen, Chopwell, Teams, Dunston and Swalwell, were brought to life by graphic designer Tommy Anderson, with each area having its own suit.
The inspiration behind the unique deck came from an earlier project that took place throughout 2024 called 'Making Place'. The initiative saw Artist Karen Rann and Gateshead Libraries' Arts and Heritage team hold nearly 30 Making Place sessions across Highfield House, Chopwell Community Centre, Swalwell Community Centre and the Teams Life Centre. Over 80 residents came along to share stories about their local area. They also explored nearby heritage using old photographs, newspaper clippings and more from the Gateshead Archive.
Drawing from this, Tommy designed the cards to reflect the special histories of each location. In fact, no two cards are the same, with each decorated with unique collages of the images shared during the Making Place sessions.
Commenting on the launch of the cards, Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "It has been wonderful to celebrate the heritage of and creativity in west Gateshead. These cards are truly unique and a fantastic legacy of the Making Place project. I hope they continue to bring residents joy".
Ann, a local resident who took part in the Making Place project, also had some wise words and reflection on the project saying: "Our past lives tell us how we should move forward. We shouldn't be so keen to throw out information that can tell a story".
Everyone who took part in Making Place sessions will receive their own set of west Gateshead playing cards.
Larger artwork of the playing cards will be on display in the Gateshead Archive until the end of March for all residents to view.
Making Place was funded by Arts Council England, Gateshead Council, the UK Government and Big Local Gateshead Quick Win.
A newly designed pack of cards featuring historic scenes from the west of Gateshead has been launched at an event at Gateshead Central Library on Thursday 6 March.
The one-of-a-kind creations were revealed to the public for the first time during the celebration opened by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Kathleen McCartney. During the event, residents were also treated to a captivating talk by City Guide Tony Stephenson about the histories of the communities involved.
The cards, developed with residents from Highfield, High Spen, Chopwell, Teams, Dunston and Swalwell, were brought to life by graphic designer Tommy Anderson, with each area having its own suit.
The inspiration behind the unique deck came from an earlier project that took place throughout 2024 called 'Making Place'. The initiative saw Artist Karen Rann and Gateshead Libraries' Arts and Heritage team hold nearly 30 Making Place sessions across Highfield House, Chopwell Community Centre, Swalwell Community Centre and the Teams Life Centre. Over 80 residents came along to share stories about their local area. They also explored nearby heritage using old photographs, newspaper clippings and more from the Gateshead Archive.
Drawing from this, Tommy designed the cards to reflect the special histories of each location. In fact, no two cards are the same, with each decorated with unique collages of the images shared during the Making Place sessions.
Commenting on the launch of the cards, Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "It has been wonderful to celebrate the heritage of and creativity in west Gateshead. These cards are truly unique and a fantastic legacy of the Making Place project. I hope they continue to bring residents joy".
Ann, a local resident who took part in the Making Place project, also had some wise words and reflection on the project saying: "Our past lives tell us how we should move forward. We shouldn't be so keen to throw out information that can tell a story".
Everyone who took part in Making Place sessions will receive their own set of west Gateshead playing cards.
Larger artwork of the playing cards will be on display in the Gateshead Archive until the end of March for all residents to view.
Making Place was funded by Arts Council England, Gateshead Council, the UK Government and Big Local Gateshead Quick Win.
