Bewick’s Place

We made it at last to Cherryburn, birthplace of Thomas Bewick. Since we went to Farfield Mill and met the printer there using the same wood engraving techniques as Bewick, and as I’ve been reading his biography, we have had it in mind to go to his birthplace, particular as it is not that far away and is NT. It has been closed, is only open two days a week and has to be booked, so it is not easy.

Well worth the effort though. What a great little place. This is the original farmhouse which accommodated eight children and their parents and is where Thomas was born, grew up and found his love of drawing and nature. There is also a larger house which came later and which now accommodates a press room where a lady works an old press to provide visitors with a print using a metal copy of an original Bewick engraving. Cherryburn holds a large collection of original Bewick engravings and a few are out on display in the museum. The first extra is an example - the detail on a 3inch by 2inch piece is astonishing.

There is a delightful garden which is being extensively replanted - perfect for a picnic, as we found out. Excellent staff and volunteers, very few people as a result of the booking system - a great place to visit, especially on such a lovely day.

We had a quick visit to Prudhoe Castle and are now in a hotel in Gateshead. Off to the Sage tonight.

Extra 2
Before he produced the Bird Guides for which he is famous, Bewick published a book of ‘Quadrupeds’ - he did not get all of them absolutely accurate!!