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A new documentary exploring the creation of North Shields’ Mary Ann Macham memorial premieres at Old Low Light on 10th October
A remarkable chapter of North East history comes into focus this month as Mary Ann Macham: The Making of a Memorial receives its first public screenings at North Shields’ The Old Low Light heritage centre on Saturday 10th October.
Produced by Local Heroes and directed by Dan Prince, the 20-minute documentary follows sculptor Keith Barrett across three years as he creates a permanent bronze memorial to Mary Ann Macham, a woman who escaped slavery in Virginia before finding freedom in North Shields. Charting the journey from initial sketches and chainsaw-carved timber models through to bronze casting and installation, the film offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process behind one of the town’s most significant recent public artworks.
Now overlooking the Fish Quay from the Riverside Embankment Walkway, the memorial has helped bring renewed attention to Mary Ann’s extraordinary story and her place in local history. Presented as part of Black History Month, the screenings will be followed by a Q&A featuring Barrett, filmmaker Dan Prince and a panel of historians and researchers, exploring the research, heritage and community connections behind the project.
With free entry and two screenings available, this is a chance to discover an inspiring story of resilience, remembrance and belonging that continues to resonate in North Tyneside today.
Dan Prince, co-founder of Local Heroes, says, “What drew me to this story was the connection between Mary Ann’s extraordinary journey and Keith’s determination to make sure her story was properly told.
“I followed Keith for more than three and a half years as he researched her life and worked towards creating the statue, and the film became as much about that process as it was about Mary Ann herself. What interested me most was how a life like hers is interpreted through history, sculpture and film, and the responsibility that comes with trying to tell that story well.”
Old Low Light Centre director Guy Moody says, “We are pleased to be working with Local Heroes and it is fitting that it is taking place during Black History Month.
“We were very proud to highlight the courageous story of Mary Ann Macham and were delighted when Keith was commissioned to create the sculpture. We hope by keeping the story alive, that one day we will be able to find out more about Mary Ann’s life, both in Virginia and in North Shields.”
