Illuminated Sheep

A flock of Illuminated Sheep will appear across Northumberland during September and October 2022, and make some guest appearances in Newcastle and North Tyneside - as part of the surrounding festival to mark the return of Lindisfarne Gospels to the North East.

Part of the Lindisfarne Gospels 'Inspired By' programme in Northumberland

With the anticipated return of the Gospels to Laing Art Gallery where they will be on display in Autumn/Winter 2022, a programme of complementary 'Inspired By' events and installations will be hosted in Northumberland. This series of events aim to highlight the Gospels and encourage pilgrims of all kinds to explore the lands from which the sacred, historic book came. The Northumberland events and installations take the themes of Light, Sheep and Pilgrimage which are referenced in the illuminated manuscript of the Gospels, including within Jesus’ “I Am” statements – the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God.

Illuminated Sheep

Discover a flock of illuminated sheep across Northumberland which will bring light to the darker autumn months. The team have worked with renowned digital and light artist Deepa Mann-Kler to create a flock of 40 life-size illuminated sheep which will be located across Northumberland. Deepa is a multi-disciplinary artist, primarily working in neon and creating light installations. She explores concepts of belonging and identity by creating artwork that is deeply rooted in the communities surrounding her. Deepa Mann-Kler has exhibited internationally in solo and group exhibitions in China, America, Germany and Ireland, and has featured prominently in Lumiere Festivals.

The illuminated sheep will be adopted by communities across Northumberland and hosted in towns, villages, heritage sites, businesses and community spaces.

Follow a series of trails through Northumberland - either on foot, bike or bus - to find all 40 of the sheep in their diverse locations. Some of the sheep might be found at heritage or visitor attraction sites, others will be more hidden in less expected urban, semi-rural and rural locations. The modern-day pilgrimage to discover the Illuminated Sheep will highlight the landscape, culture and heritage of Northumberland. Digital mapping, films and toolkits will support audiences to discover, and explore.

Additional Inspired By events in Northumberland

• Festival of Flame at Hexham Abbey and other churches & venues in Northumberland: 1 September 2022 – 31 October 2022
• Northumberland Libraries will work with Hexham Book Festival to arrange a series of author events with selected authors.
• Northumberland Manuscripts: Northumberland Archives will deliver a programme of linked activity to include an online exhibition highlighting illuminated and interesting manuscripts in their care, as well as a programme of virtual talks and palaeography (interpreting old handwriting) workshops.
• Suki Chan: Still Point: Still Point is a film installation by artist Suki Chan that engages with sacred spaces and places of pilgrimage. Find out more: maltingsberwick.co.uk