Published on 15 June 2018
The DNA of Wearsiders will be included in a glass sculpture created by a University of Sunderland graduate.
The project to restore 14th century Hylton Castle to the centre of community life is giving people the opportunity to have strands of their DNA encapsulated in glass to form part of a sculptural display at the castle when it re-opens.
University of Sunderland graduate and city-based artist Zoe Garner is creating a large glass sculpture for permanent installation in the castle, which will include glass rods that people are being invited to add their DNA to with strands of hair, or even the ashes of a departed loved one.
Zoe, who graduated with an MA in Glass from the University in 2004, said: “I visited Hylton Castle and I was interested how the rain and weather had eroded the walls, and how that represented the passing of time.
I came up with the idea of creating a rain wall lighting sculpture using borosilicate glass (Pyrex) and the technique of flame working.
“The Pyrex factory was once located in Sunderland and I'm interested in keeping this dying art alive. I also decided on a lighting sculpture to pay homage to Joseph Swan who went to Hylton School. It was very important to me that locals left their mark on the castle.”
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sunderland City Council the cultural heritage, The Hylton Castle project is part of the community engagement programme to have people’s shared memories of the castle through recorded interviews, family photographs etc, as a permanent part of the restoration project through exhibitions and displays with the opportunity now to share something even more personal and individual.
Joining Zoe on Sunday this weekend was Alyson Tate and her family who all grew up in Castletown in the shadow of Hylton Castle.
Alyson said: “Our dad left us with some great stories about his time in and around Hylton Castle and Dene, and adding our DNA to a sculpture that will be displayed there, will help recognise our and other local family’s parts in its history and it’s a great way to remember him.
“It was emotional but gave us the chance come together and do something long lasting and special in his memory.”
Member of voluntary group ‘Castle and the Community’ and local ward councillor, Councillor Doris MacKnight added: “The essence of this community led cultural heritage project is remembering the history of the people as well as the buildings, and this seems a good way to achieve both in one project.
“I really appreciate Alyson her family getting involved, and hope the sculpture will help remind everyone who sees it of the part local people like Mr Hall have played in keeping the castle alive for future generations to enjoy.
“Glass making is also part of our cultural and industrial heritage going back hundreds of years, so it’s appropriate that this will be recognised in the sculpture which will be the centrepiece of the castle.
“I’m sure that members of the USA Friends Group who have close family links with Hylton Castle will be very interested in sending over traces of their DNA to be incorporated into this work.”
There will be further opportunities later this year to get involved in this project and for people to share traces of their DNA to form part of the sculpture.