Opening the Furnace

Saturday 25 October 
12pm - 3pm
Derwentcote Steel Furnace, NE17 7RS

This project was made possible by English Heritage's Community Connections grants with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Delve into the rich heritage and natural beauty of Derwentcote Steel Furnace through the work of Northern Print’s artists. Using heritage craft skills related to printmaking and personal responses to the site, this project aims to encourage others to explore this industrial gem.

Built around 1730, Derwentcote Steel Furnace is one of the earliest surviving examples of a cementation furnace in Britain. It played a vital role in the development of high-quality steel production during the Industrial Revolution. Now managed by English Heritage, the site stands as a beautifully preserved monument to the region’s industrial past. Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and to provide guided tours.

Artists include: Allan Barnfather, Ase Viske, Barbara Ridley, Eunice Routledge, Gail Bryson, Grace Owens, Janet Davis, Janet Dixon, Janet Walton, Jo Bourne, Kate Miller, Liz Todd, Mark Rogerson, Michelle Wood, Michael Stembridge, Pui Lee, Sumitra Ramdas, Teresa Jennings, The Date, Valentina Usai Zucca, Vivienne Baumfield and Wendy Heath.