Name: Seasonal Watercolours from NHSN's North East Nature Archive
Start: 2026-05-05T14:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-05-05T16:00:00+01:00
Location: Great North Museum: Hancock

Join us for a seasonal watercolour workshop inspired by the flora and fauna of NHSN's North East Nature Archive.
About this Event

Seasonal Watercolours from NHSN's North East Nature Archive (NENA)
Spring / Summer / Autumn

Key Information

Event lead: Mark Bletcher

Event length: Tuesday 5 May, 2pm - 4pm

Meet at: Great North Museum: Hancock

Event cost: NHSN Members £35, Non-members £40

About this Event

Join us for a seasonal watercolour workshop inspired by the flora and fauna of NHSN's North East Nature Archive (NENA). Following a short introduction from Heritage Researcher Rachel Anderson to the watercolour illustrations of 19th-century artist Margaret Dickinson, we’ll spend the afternoon creating our own paintings in response to these beautiful archival works.

This workshop is part of a series of three sessions, each celebrating a different season, from fresh spring botanicals to summer butterflies and autumn fungi. You’re welcome to join us for one, two, or all three sessions, but please note that each session must be booked individually.

This workshop is open to all experience levels and offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to engage with some of your favourite seasonal subjects.

Tuesday 5 May: Spring Flowers with Margaret Dickinson's botanical watercolours

Tuesday 11 August: Butterflies and Moths with the William Chapman Hewitson archive

Tuesday 13 October: Autumn Fungi with Sarah Dickson's fungi drawings

Artist Mark Bletcher will introduce simple watercolour painting techniques to help you build a painting step by step, including working with light washes, layering colour, and adding detail. You’re welcome to follow the guided approach or explore in your own way.

All materials will be provided and light refreshments including tea, coffee and biscuits, will be served.

Accessibility

The NHSN Council Room is fully accessible via the lift towards the back of the museum.

About the Tutor

Mark Bletcher lives and works in Newcastle Upon Tyne. He received his BA in Fine art from Newcastle University (2019). He received the Elizabeth Greenshields Award (2023-4). Bletcher received the Gwen May Award from the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (2020). He has exhibited with OHSH Projects (2023), Northern Print (2023), Newcastle Contemporary (2022) and Gallagher and Turner (2022).