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Art explainer volunteers Martin Brunskill and Michele Sowerby talk to Gillian Sulley about widening their skill sets at a thought-provoking reimagining of the north gateway at Housesteads.

Visitors to Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall may have been taken by surprise on approach to the site this summer. On the brow of the hill, the remains of the original north gatehouse are usually noted for their rugged, aged stonework, connecting the modern visitor to this once-thriving military site, and the bleak and beautiful landscape that was the final northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Now commemorating 1,900 years since the building of the wall, with its many forts and towers, by the Emperor Hadrian, the Housesteads site marked the occasion with a vast and colourful temporary art installation. The artwork entitled The future belongs to what was as much as what is was created by artist Morag Myerscough, poet Ellen Moran and the local community. In place from late July to

the end of October this year, it is a prominent structure, built over the footprint of the ruined Roman gatehouse. A warm welcome On a typical day in mid-August visitors make their way through the fields to the fort, and are welcomed by two volunteers who are relatively new to English Heritage, though both have I’m really given their time to the heritage sector in the past. Art explainer enjoying volunteer Martin Brunskill is building stationed on the grass outside the installation. He is part of a team of up my around twenty volunteers recruited confidence for the summer season and took part in specific training sessions unique to the project. Martin is busy greeting visitors, dealing with queries and enjoying some animated discussions on the unmissable new addition. He explains how he became a volunteer at Housesteads, and the effect this experience is having on his own life. ►

PLAN YOUR VISIT The artwork will be open to the public until Sun 30 October, but you can still enjoy the fort afterwards. Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk/housesteads

Previous page Artist Morag Myerscough stands next to her art installation entitled The future belongs to what was as much as what is Far left the art installation shown from a different viewpoint Above Morag Myerscough Left Martin Brunskill

Summer break ‘I live and work in this area,’ Martin explains, ‘and have previously walked the length of the wall with my son. The 1900th anniversary celebrations presented new opportunities to become involved with Housesteads, so I joined the volunteer group here, introducing the artwork to our visitors. I’m currently taking a long summer break from my usual line of work as an accountant – helping here, the day goes very quickly. Being here ticks every box for me. I’m getting to meet the locals, hikers and other visitors, enjoying the outdoors and adding to my knowledge of the area at the same time. Going on from here, I’d certainly like to do more volunteering for English Heritage on other projects.’

Heading up the wooden steps into the main body of the artwork, an inner platform at a height of 4.2 metres (the original height of the wall) allows visitors, for the first time in 1,600 years, to enjoy the exact same viewpoint which the legionaries would have had. These days, the vista to the north is the peaceful, misty Northumbrian landscape, but it would have been a hive of activity, conflict and community during the Roman occupation. Multitasking Inside the structure, another member of the volunteer team, Michele Sowerby, explains to visitors how, as well as a barrier, the north gatehouse would have been an entrance, passageway and thoroughfare. It was from these concepts that Morag Myerscough, Ellen Moran and the community took inspiration for the installation.

Originally from Illinois, Michele has lived, worked and volunteered in the north east of England for many years.

‘I’m managing to combine my role as art explainer volunteer with my degree studies and my usual day job as a court reporter,’ says Michele. ‘To work with an artist on a new installation was an opportunity not to be missed. Through this project, I’m really enjoying building up my confidence speaking with the public. It’s helped me realise that I’d like to be out and about more in future, mixing with a wide variety of people.’ Lasting legacy Local community groups were invited to join workshops with Morag and poet Ellen to conceive and collaborate on the design and production of the colourful plaques and it was their discussions about the history of the site and its relevance today that inspired the words. While the piece has inevitably divided opinion, the Romans themselves would have been very familiar with the use of colour and words on the outsides of buildings.

The installation was designed to be dismantled easily at the end of October, with the plaques being offered back to the community, and the elements of the scaffold reverting to their usual purposes. The experience will remain large in the memories and future plans of the volunteer team, the community groups who were involved and visitors who were here for the 1900th anniversary celebrations. ■

GET INVOLVED Look out for news on how there will be more opportunities for art explainer volunteers at our other sites as the creative programme develops.