Wild Intrigue are delighted to collaborate with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Artist in Residence Hayden Thorpe for an evening exploration of wildness in the city.
Hayden Thorpe, Artist in Residence with The Glasshouse, is a musician and birdwatcher with an ambition to share the enchantment of urban nature. His installation entitled The Hide, and the project’s associated music, are inspired by Hayden’s experience of bird watching – an opportunity for stillness and reflection, which can be enjoyed in even the most unlikely of places.
The Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside is the perfect location for The Hide installation to inspire moments of wildness. For 60 years, before The Glasshouse stood on the banks of the Tyne, the famous Tyne Kittiwakes have brought their wild oceanic calls to the heart of the Quayside. These delicate gulls are truly pelagic in nature, entwined with the ocean, they spend their winters out on the open sea – rarely touching land.
In spring, Kittiwake pairs return to nest on the Quayside’s iconic Tyne Bridge and surrounding buildings, raising families amongst us on these urban cliff faces. Feeding exclusively on Sand Eels and fish caught in the North Sea, Kittiwakes never feed from the hands of man.
Their distinctive “Kitt-wake” calls are an acoustic celebration of our journey to live alongside wildlife in the city, the ever-changing Quayside a welcoming home and refuge for the world’s most inland colony of the red listed Black-legged Kittiwake.
The Experience
Join Wild Intrigue at The Glasshouse for An Evening with Hayden Thorpe and the Tyne Kittiwakes. This one-off experience of music and urban wildlife will begin with an introduction to The Hide and a special acoustic performance by Hayden, followed by a Tyne Kittiwake safari with wildlife guides, Wild Intrigue. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit and enjoy The Hide before and after the experience.
18:00 – 19:00 Exclusive pre-event access to experience Hayden Thorpe’s installation, The Hide, at The Glasshouse.
19:00 – 19:15 Introduction to The Hide and acoustic performance by Hayden Thorpe.
19:15 – 20:00 Tyne Kittiwake Safari with Wild Intrigue.
20:00 – 21:00 Return to The Glasshouse. Exclusive post-event access to The Hide.