'Northern Grit: The Good, the Bad and the Greedy' is a collaborative project between Gary and his partner Helen Temperley, featuring songs and illustrations based on a selection of well-known and lesser-known historical figures, myths and legends from North East England, including Jamie Allan ("the Gipsy Piper"), Catherine Cookson ("one of Britain's most prolific and widely read novelists"), Mary Ann Cotton ("Britain's first female serial killer"), John Duck ("Durham's Dick Wittington"), Peter Lee ("The celebrated Durham miners' leader"), Jonathan Martin ("The Incendiary of York Minster"), Joseph Skipsey ("The Pitman Poet of Percy Main"), Thomas Spence ("The Poor Man's Advocate"), George Stephenson ("the Father of the Railways"), The North Shields Wooden Dollies ("no slim, simpering, Goddess-looking creature, but a bluff, saucy, hearty-looking hussy, with a full flaunting petticoat something in the style of good Queen Bess"), and more.
'Northern Grit' was launched at the People's Bookshop in Durham City on 31st March 2019 featuring an exhibition of six of Helen's illustrations and a performance by Gary of his six accompanying songs, followed by a month-long exhibition of Helen's work for the project throughout April 2019 at the People's Bookshop.
The 'Northern Grit' songs are now in the process of being recorded for release as a full-length album, to be accompanied by Helen's fabulous full-colour illustrations.
Watch this space!
Above: A Selection of Helen's 'Northern Grit' Illustrations : -
Upper Left: Peter Lee / Upper Right: Catherine Cookson
Centre Left: Joseph Skipsey / Centre Right: John Duck
Lower Left: Jonathan Martin / Lower Right: Mary-Ann Cotton
[© 2019 Helen Temperley]
Above: Gary & Helen at the 'Northern Grit' Launch Event
The People's Bookshop, Durham City, on 31st March 2019