A creative visit to Gibside

A riverside walk, shared stories, and a photo book to remember it by.

This summer, a group from The Comfrey Project saw the stunning results of a creative visit to Gibside that took place last autumn, as Elizabeth Kane from Riverside Routes explains.

Last autumn, members of The Comfrey Project took their first steps into Gibside's historic landscape as part of Riverside Routes, a creative commission led by artist Sharon Bailey, supported by Gateshead Council's arts team and the National Trust.

The group made up of refugees and people seeking asylum joined Sharon for a photography walk through Gibside, capturing the beauty of the grounds with professional DSLR cameras. For many, it was their first visit to the National Trust site nestled in the Derwent Valley.

In sessions back at The Comfrey Project's vibrant community garden, participants reflected on their experience and selected their favourite images.

We were delighted to visit The Comfrey Project this summer and deliver their stunning photobooks showcasing their perspectives. It was wonderful to see people capturing their view of Gibside and creating a calm, welcoming space back at The Comfrey Project. Huge thanks to Sharon Bailey for making it happen.

Eleni Venaki, Director at The Comfrey Project, said:

For many of the individuals we work with, opportunities to visit and explore the surrounding countryside are particularly limited due to the constraints of the asylum system, which predominantly places people in urban areas. Therefore, whenever we have the chance to take people outside the city, it is an especially valuable and meaningful experience. We have observed that many people develop a stronger sense of home and belonging in natural outdoor settings, which serve as a powerful equaliser by providing a shared, inclusive space for all.

The books will be treasured by The Comfrey Project participants, volunteers and staff.

Thanks to our photographers Ali, Asfaneh, Colette, Nadia, Nazir, Noshin, Mahtep, Mohsin, and others who took part; staff members Eleni Venaki, Nicola Bushell, and volunteers at The Comfrey Project; National Trust staff, including Pearl Saddington and Lucy Zwolinska; and finally, Dr Gillian Jein and Ruth from Newcastle University who joined us on our walk.

The Riverside Routes programme is part of the Tyne Derwent Way, celebrating Gateshead's rivers, heritage, and communities.