North Lincolnshire’s proud steel making heritage is being celebrated this month through an exciting events programme.
‘Made of Steel’ explores the region’s steel industry through poignant films, exhibitions, conversation, a sculpture walk and more.
Taking place online and at both North Lincolnshire Museum and 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, the celebration is part of the nationwide ‘The Art That Made Us’ festival and complements a major new BBC television series.
The specially commissioned short film ‘A Steelworker’s Story’ is a human history of the life of a Scunthorpe steelworker and can be enjoyed at North Lincolnshire Museum until 30 April.
The poignant film follows the subject as he returns to the steelworks for the first time in more than two decades, reflecting on family life and friendships.
It has been set to original music composed by Iain Matthews, a former member of Fairport Convention, who himself grew up in Scunthorpe.
On 22 April there is an extra special opportunity to go behind the camera lens and join the film’s director, Michael Burkitt. This conversation will take place online, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and includes a screening of the film.
Complementing the film is a new exhibition at North Lincolnshire Museum featuring the work of Herbert J Finn.
Finn was commissioned by the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC) to travel the country and document steelmaking processes.
Herbert J Finn’s artwork captured the steelmaking process in the 1920s
This display of Finn’s stunning artwork captures a snapshot of the steel industry in the 1920s, a time of great change.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member, safer, stronger communities: urban, said:
“Steel making is woven into the fabric of North Lincolnshire. Generations of local families have been employed in the industry, so it is only right that we celebrate this proud tradition at Scunthorpe’s two leading cultural attractions.
“Both 2021 Visual Arts Centre and North Lincolnshire Museum offer free, fantastic days out, with hands-on activities for the whole family. These brilliant exhibitions are yet another reason to visit.”
The month-long celebration will conclude with a fascinating sculpture walk and talk.
On 30 April at 10am, there will be the chance to join maker Adrian Holmes as he talks about the project that helped bring the iconic Scunthorpe monument to life.
Made of Steel takes place until 30 April 2022. To find out more, including how to book on to activities, visit North Lincolnshire Museum’s new look website.
