Step Into a 19th century Masterpiece as Newcastle Castle Brings Historic Border Tale to Life

Visitors are invited to take part in a unique, immersive recreation of William Bell Scott’s famous painting “The Spur in the Dish”, a painting held in the Wallington (National Trust) collection, at Newcastle Castle on Saturday 13 June, as part of their summer Carnival at the Castle, programme.

Photographer Phil Punton and The Historical and Mythical Recreation Group will transform the Castle’s Great Hall into a living version of the painting, allowing visitors to step directly into the artwork using historic costumes, props, and storytelling. From 11am to 3pm, guests of all ages can actively participate, helping to position performers and effectively “direct” the scene, while learning about the painting’s history, characters, and hidden details, from North East storyteller David Silk.

Visitors will also be able to use character profile sheets to better understand the real historical figures depicted in the artwork, helping them engage more deeply with the scene they are part of.

From 3pm onwards, audiences can watch the final staged photograph being created, as the group demonstrates how a living artwork is constructed using actors, costumes, make-up, lighting, and set design. A large reference image with numbered characters will help guide the recreation, allowing visitors to compare the original painting with the live version and even assist in positioning participants. This finale offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and has been popular at previous events.

The project has also led to a new partnership between Newcastle Castle and Wallington Hall, with both heritage organisations collaborating to connect audiences with shared regional history. Wallington Hall have expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting how it brings historical art to life for modern audiences and encourages discussion around themes such as gender roles and visual storytelling in art.

This event is included with a Newcastle Castle annual pass: https://www.newcastlecastle.co.uk/carnivalatthecastle