Sunderland landmarks feature in rainbow artwork in aid of NHS charity

Gift shop For The Love Of The North, based in Whitley Bay and Corbridge, has been working with artist Lisa Kirkbride to produce a series of rainbow prints celebrating North East cities, towns and communities.

Sunderland is the latest city to feature in the eye-catching series which combines a rainbow, which has become a symbol of hope during the pandemic, and the slogan ‘Love Will Get Us Through’, alongside Roker Lighthouse and Northern Spire.

In just a few weeks, 2,000 prints in the series have been bought online, with 25% of the proceeds, amounting to £5,000 so far, being donated to Northumbria NHS Trust’s Bright Charity.

Speaking about how the prints came about, Paul Hull, who runs For The Love Of The North with wife Lucy, said : “We closed both of our shops before lockdown and around that time one of our customers got in touch to ask about how the business could continue in some form.

“We came up with the idea of a print in the theme of the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ poster from the war.”

Paul and Lucy got in touch with local artist Lisa Kirkbride who produced a Whitley Bay print featuring Spanish City and St Mary’s Lighthouse alongside a rainbow.

It proved hugely popular and they decided to produce a series focusing on other areas across the North East, including Durham, Newcastle, Tynemouth and Bamburgh.

“We’ve seen such wonderful community spirit with people putting the prints up in their windows,” said Paul. “People are buying them for themselves, but also for friends and relatives they can’t see at this time, or for birthdays that they’ve missed during lockdown.

“Not only does it help a local artist and small, independent business, it also helps support the NHS. The series is really gaining momentum and attracting attention on social media. So much so, we’re running a poll to see what other locations people would like us to feature.

“We’ve been in the store in Whitley Bay to process the orders and people have been waving through the window as they pass.”

He added: “In the North East there’s much more of a sense of regional identity than elsewhere. People are very passionate and proud about where they live.”

The poster series comes as the Echo is running its #ActsofKindness campaign to highlight all the amazing work being done in our communities at this time.

If you know of any great work being done on Wearside during this difficult time you can contact us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or contact the newsdesk direct on [email protected]

For The Love Of The North shops remain closed for now, but will be opening once it’s safe for both staff and customers.

:: For The Love Of The North prints are priced £10, with 25% of proceeds going to Northumbria NHS Trust’s Bright Charity. They are available to buy online at https://www.fortheloveofthenorth.co.uk/

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