The Stephenson Trail Project

Learners from Kepier worked alongside tutors Stephanie Sykes, Dawn Routledge and Margaret Daglish from MBC Ceramics on a heritage inspired fused glass workshop to commemorate the importance of The Stephenson Trail in the Coalfields area of Sunderland. Participants learned about the important part the local area played in the history of locomotion in mining, as well as taking part in practical glass cutting and design activities. Learners engaged in work on how to use inclusions in glass, and learned about the chemistry behind glass fusing. Each learner created an individual glass tile, which will be fused alongside over 350 more individual pieces to create a steel, fused glass and light coal tub installation to commemorate this rich element of our local heritage. The project has been made possible by funding from The Sunderland Strategic Initiatives Board.