Bamburgh-inspired rainbow artwork celebrates community spirit during pandemic

Gift shop For The Love Of The North, based in Whitley Bay and Corbridge, has been working with artist Lisa Kirkbride to produce a series of rainbow prints celebrating North East cities, towns and communities.

Bamburgh is the one of the locations to feature in the eye-catching series which combines a rainbow, which has become a symbol of hope during the pandemic, and the slogan ‘Love Will Get Us Through’, alongside Bamburgh Castle and the neighbouring golden beaches.

In just a few weeks, 2,000 prints in the series have been bought online, with 25% of the proceeds, amounting to £5,000 so far, being donated to Northumbria NHS Trust’s Bright Charity.

Speaking about how the prints came about, Paul Hull, who runs For The Love Of The North with wife Lucy, said : “We closed both of our shops before lockdown and around that time one of our customers got in touch to ask about how the business could continue in some form.

“We came up with the idea of a print in the theme of the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ poster from the war.”

Paul and Lucy got in touch with local artist Lisa Kirkbride who produced a Whitley Bay print featuring Spanish City and St Mary’s Lighthouse alongside a rainbow.

It proved hugely popular and they decided to produce a series focusing on other areas across the North East, including Durham, Newcastle, Tynemouth and Sunderland.

“We’ve seen such wonderful community spirit with people putting the prints up in their windows,” said Paul. “Not only does it help a local artist and small, independent business, it also helps support the NHS. The series is really gaining momentum and attracting attention on social media.”

For The Love Of The North shops remain closed for now, but will be opening once it’s safe for both staff and customers.

:: For The Love Of The North prints are priced £10, with 25% of proceeds going to Northumbria NHS Trust’s Bright Charity. They are available to buy online at https://www.fortheloveofthenorth.co.uk/

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