Felling Pride

Felling Pride is a public artwork by artist Mark Todman. Externally, it is a series of six ceramic mosaics inspired by the local history of Felling, including references to coal mining, railways, Irish immigration and the chemical industry. There is also a particular reference to Crowhall Towers, which remains a central location in Felling.

The mosaic artworks for the interior walls continue with the same themes and are presented in wooden frames located on the walls through the walkway. The mosaics are constructed from ceramic tile fixed to Marine Plywood. Each mosaic is shaped differently so that when positioned together they create a dynamic and elegant flow along the wall. Mark worked with children from Falla Park Primary School, Heworth Grange Comprehensive School and Felling Community Centre to gather ideas towards this final artwork.

The artwork was commissioned by The Gateshead Housing Company with assistance from Gateshead Council. This artwork is part of a series of community public artworks which were commissioned by The Gateshead Housing Company and completed in 2010.

Mark Todman was born in West Yorkshire and has been resident in the North East since 1983 when he took his MA in fine art at Newcastle University. "I have always thought that Art should be accessible to everyone and that includes the design and making of it". Mark has led a number of collaborative projects in the region where his prime role has been to focus the energies of a community group into creating substantial public art works. These works exist across the north east, adorning schools, hospitals, community centres, gardens and churches, as well as private collections.

In recent years Mark's main expertise has been Mosaic. "I love their durability and permanence but above all I love the rhythm they create. A good mosaic should incorporate pattern, rhythm, colour and texture in the way you cut and place tiles, always mindful of how the final cement grouting will bring it all together".

More about the artist: Mark Todman (opens new window)