MIDDLESBROUGH has been hailed as a major design centre in a blog by a leading historian, author and lecturer following a visit to the town for the recent ‘Victorian Cities Revisited: Heritage and History Conference’.
Sarah Laurenson, a doctoral researcher and tutor in history at the University of Edinburgh, turned to her blog ‘Reform Lane’ to praise Middlesbrough as ‘a fascinating town steeped in history’ after attending the event, a joint initiative between the Heritage Lottery Fund-supported Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience Project and the University of Huddersfield.
The historian, who is working on the Leverhulme-funded project ‘Artisans and the Craft Economy in Scotland, c.1780-1914’, has now developed the blog further for the town’s ‘lovemiddlesbrough’ website.
Highlights of the blog include the historian recording visits to the Dorman Museum’s new Christopher Dresser Collection, the Tees Transporter Bridge and mima’s new Jewellery Gallery, as well as noting the exciting possibilities for Middlesbrough based upon its heritage. The blog also includes a rich array of images of locations of design interest including the landmark bridge, Baker Street, Church House, the Dorman Museum and mima.
Tees Transporter Bridge Education, Learning and Events Officer Tosh Warwick said: “We are delighted that Sarah has chosen to expand upon her visit to Middlesbrough for the lovmiddlesbrough blog.
“It is fantastic that her attendance at ‘Victorian Cities Revisited’ has helped inspire a celebration not only of Middlesbrough’s Victorian past but also the landmark institutions and built environment of today.
“In the new year the Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience will be working to explore the places and spaces of Middlesbrough’s heritage through the inauguration of a new plaque scheme and digital heritage trail.
“We will also continue to work in partnership with the Dorman Museum and mima.”
Sarah’s blog can now be viewed via the lovemiddlesbrough site at
http://blog.lovemiddlesbrough.com/middlesbrough-a-centre-for-design-lovers/
The original ‘Design in Middlesbrough’ blog can be viewed at http://www.reformlane.co.uk/2014/10/design-in-middlesbrough.html