Thirsk Heritage Interpretation Boards
This project arose from an idea to involve local people in designing interpretation boards to place around Thirsk, describing and explaining local history and landmarks.
Thirsk Regeneration Initiative engaged Rural Arts in December 2004 to run a series of workshops with young people and elderly residents. Art workshops, aimed at producing illustrations for the boards, were held at Thirsk, Carlton Miniott, South Kilvington and Sowerby primary schools and at Thirsk Comprehensive School. Sessions were held with Thirsk Clock where young people looked at historical documents to choose decorative lettering for the 'Thirsk and Sowerby Past and Present' logo. Mr Cooper Harding, Curator of Thirsk Museum acted as historical advisor to the scheme.
At a launch event on 12 February 2005 over 60 local people brought their memories and memorabilia, including photographs to be scanned and stories to be recorded.
Rural Arts coordinated the work of a writing group who met regularly at the Old Courthouse to research local history and to provide the text for the majority of the boards. With the help of graphic artist Sahra Wye, the group designed and placed the text and illustrations on the boards. Some illustrations were provided by Rural Arts artists, in particular Angela Hall and Jo Howes.
A leaflet was produced to introduce the interpretation boards walking route with text by Ted Marchal and a map drawn by Angela Hall.
