Some that immediately come to mind include the Tees Transporter Bridge, Middlesbrough Town Hall and Dorman Museum, as well as feats across the globe including Captain Cook’s explorations and the construction of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
This week (Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16) experts from across the country including historians, museum professionals, archivists and artists head to Teesside to explore the topic of Landmarks as part of the second Heritage and History Conference organised by the Heritage Lottery Fund supported Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience Project.
The two day conference, supported by Teesside University’s History Department and mima, will take place in Middlesbrough Town Hall’s Council Chamber.
Leeds Beckett University’s Dr Shane Ewen will provide the other keynote exploring landmarks in urban history including some icons familiar to Teessiders.
He said: “I am thrilled to be speaking in such an important landmark to Middlesbrough’s civic history. Landmarks are really important to our sense of place memory and it is crucial that we discuss their historical value in order to better appreciate their usefulness in the heritage of our cities and towns.”
Dr Natasha Vall, historian and Director of Teesside University’s Institute for Design Culture and the Arts, will open the conference with a keynote lecture on the social history of waterfront development.
Dr Vall said: “I am delighted to be speaking at the conference. The focus on history and heritage, which showcases a dynamic and diverse range of projects, resonates with the University’s strategic focus on heritage in postindustrial society. It promises to transform our understanding of well-known landmarks, as well as illuminate the history of less known and contested sites of history and heritage.’
Other papers focus on a range of topics with local interest explored in presentations on Teesside Archives’ historic building plans, landscape and identity in the art of Teesside, Captain Cook landmarks, bridges over the Tees and Middlesbrough Town Hall. Studies from further afield include talks on the world’s oldest surviving railway station, Edinburgh’s cultural heritage and the history and architecture of burial grounds and crematoria.
Tosh Warwick, Tees Transporter Bridge Education, Learning and Events Officer said: “We are delighted that we are to once again hold a heritage and history conference here in Middlesbrough as part of the Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience Project.
“Teesside has a rich array of landmarks such as the Transporter Bridge which are closely associated with the area’s culture and proud heritage. We are particularly pleased to have attracted two prestigious speakers as keynotes who are exploring themes closely linked to Teesside.”
Those interested in attending the conference can book at www.teestransporterbridge.com or by contacting Tosh Warwick on 01642 728818.