Photographer creates colouring books and jigsaws of Northumberland scenes to help beat lockdown blues

Colouring books featuring beautiful scenes from Northumberland have been created.
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Keen photographer Darren Chapman, from Milfield, hopes the books will prove especially useful to residents in self-isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.

His Northumberland colouring book is already available, while a Berwick version is being planned.

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His images are also being turned into jigsaws, with subjects including Bamburgh Castle with poppies, Berwick in Bloom and Morpeth’s riverside all in the pipeline.

This view of Morpeth riverside is being made into a jigsaw.This view of Morpeth riverside is being made into a jigsaw.
This view of Morpeth riverside is being made into a jigsaw.

It is an extension of Darren’s partnership with the Calendar Printing Company which has seen him produce calendars, greetings cards and postcards.

He said: “At the beginning of the year I was really looking forward to my greetings cards and postcards being made available at a number of different places, including Bamburgh Castle but then all this happened so I’ve had to change direction a little bit.

“I came up with the idea of colouring books and thought they might prove popular with people in self-isolation or in care homes.

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“It then moved on to jigsaws too which I hope will be available in a few weeks’ time.”

Berwick Walls.Berwick Walls.
Berwick Walls.

Any extra income it brings will prove especially useful to Darren because he has been furloughed from his job as head chef at Berwick Garden Centre.

Although he is unable to get out and about to take photographs at the moment he is happy that his hobby is providing him with focus.

“I first picked up a camera in 2015 and what first started as a hobby has turned into an obsession,” he admits.

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“With so much history in our landscapes, castles and architecture, Northumberland has some jaw-dropping opportunities to explore.

Berwick Old Bridge and town hall.Berwick Old Bridge and town hall.
Berwick Old Bridge and town hall.

“When not furloughed, I enjoy getting out of bed early to try and catch the coast at sunrise.”

It’s a competitive field but Darren says he draws inspiration from others to try and further improve his skills.

“I, like all others, thrive on finding that one shot, that one moment to capture through a lens,” he says.

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All items are available on Facebook @darrensphotos or by email [email protected]

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