Jacki Holmes

Autumn Newsletter 2023 – A missing painting and Armstrong’s romantic side.

October 27, 2023

In this issue of the Friends of Jesmond Dene Newsletter we have articles from Henrietta Heald, who is the author of Magician of the North, a biography of William Armstrong, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900). She writes about the missing painting of Prince Hal (more below). We also have an article on Lord Armstrong's environmentalism, written by Keaton Bailey who's dissertation was based on Jesmond Dene and Lord Armstrong.

You will also find updates from FOJD, what we've been up to and recent events, plus how you can help support the Dene.

Where is Prince Hal?

“A monumental painting of the future King Henry V by John Callcott Horsley, once in public ownership, has disappeared from its unique home in Newcastle. Horsley (1817–1903) is best remembered as the creator in 1843 of the first Christmas card, but he had many other strings to his bow. As a member from 1861 of the Cranbrook Colony, a group of artists based at Cranbrook in Kent, Horsley championed the art of genre painting, depicting scenes from daily life, real or imaginary.”

Continue reading this article and more this issue of our Newsletter:

What's included in this issue:

Annual General Meeting
The Hunt for 'Prince Hal' By Henrietta Heald
William Armstrong’s Environmentalism and the Production of Jesmond Dene By Keaton Bailey
The Grove – an Historic Footpath in Danger of being closed
FOJD Events
Green Flag, Corrections and, The Aviary
Volunteer Rangers Update By Dave Poste

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Repairs to Nature Area dipping platform

You may be aware that some nine years ago a new pond was dug in Jesmond Dene Nature Area, across the river from Pets Corner. The new pond was provided with a dipping platform to allow parties of children to dip for pond creatures. The supporting framework of the platform was made from recycled plastic, which has the advantage of not rotting, but is expensive compared to wood. The decking for the platform was made from wooden planks that we happened to have available at the time.