Land of Iron Screening Update

We’re playing catch up with Cradle of Fire project news following a short bout of post events burn out, aka winter bugs. Thanks for bearing with us!

Land of Iron event – some of the team, from left, Marie Woods, Land of Iron CEO, Diana and Carolyn from Cradle of Fire with thanks Angela -curator at Land of Iron for the photo 14 11 24

We’ve also had an extension for our event feedback from Arts Council England, the project having ‘officially’ ended on the 6th December. It’s a relief to have a little bit more time to share all the material that we have built up and organise our report for the Arts Council.

First up an update on the Land of Iron event that took place in Loftus on the 14th November. Diana and Carolyn combined an artist talk with poetry readings, both following a special screening of the Cradle of Fire film.

Land of Iron Cradle of Fire Event 14th November 2024 with thanks to Nick Wesson from Land of Iron for the photo

Given the small venue, a lecture hall inside the Land of Iron museum, and Loftus’ relative remoteness, we were delighted with the turn out. Even more so when one of the attendees sent in some writing and photographs as a direct response to the event. It’s always been our aim for the project to be a catalyst for further dialogue. Check back soon to find out about that contribution.

Land of Iron’s Cradle of Fire event, with a display of artefacts from the museum, in front of a film still showcasing typography by Will Hill, 14 November 2024 photo by Diana Scarborough

The Land of Iron provided some interesting artefacts, that related to the film, including the helmet that was used as a base design for one of our muse Vulcan’s creations. All the objects on show related to the area’s rich history as a centre of ironstone mining for the steel industry, the museum itself being based at the former ironstone mine at Skinningrove (also known as Loftus mine) which was closed in 1958.

Cradle of Fire film still showing miners’ helmets from the Land of Iron Museum collection

Footage from the museum’s spaces also features in the Cradle of Fire multimedia film, the North Drift masquerading as a new furnace for our hero.

Cradle of Fire film still reimagining Vulcan’s New Furnace inside the Land of Iron Museum’s North drift

Our audience were wonderfully engaged with the film, Carolyn’s evocative poetry readings, and finally, there was time for a lively Q&A following Diana’s artist talk.

Poet and co-narrator Carolyn Waudby at the Land of Iron Cradle of Fire event with Vulcan prints by Sheena Mary Davies in the background, photo by Nick Wesson

The next day was spent exploring the beach at Cattersty Sands, including looking for water sources on the cliff face and investigating a rusty old metal object that was slowly being eroded by the daily ebb and flow of tides and salty sea water. What might it have been?

Rusting steel objects found at Cattersty Sands, Skinningrove beach, photo by Diana Scarborough

Take a look at Diana’s film clip on the Cradle of Fire YouTube channel.

Carolyn looking for a water source in the cliffs at Cattersty Sands, Skinnigrove beach, photo Diana Scarborough

This was an opportunity for Diana and Carolyn to recharge before heading back to Cambridge and Sheffield respectively.

Land of Iron event – Artist talk by Diana with Carolyn, photo by Land of Iron curator Angela

We’d like to thank the wonderful museum team for all their support in making this event such a success as well as all those who attended.

Land of Iron Cradle of Fire lead artist and filmmaker Diana Scarborough answering questions following her talk. Photo by Nick Wesson

Blog by Emma Boden

Carolyn Waudby and Diana Scarborough at the Land of Iron Cradle of Fire Film Screening 14 11 24

Rusted steel on Cattersty Sands, Skinningrove beach, photo by Diana Scarborough