Gongs of Teesside began with forging steel gongs by local blacksmiths and has evolved through solitary and collective soundings with places and communities across Teesside and East Cleveland.

The gongs serve as resonant objects and gathering points, opening encounters with place, memory, and ecology while amplifying local voices and stories.

In ‘Sounds of Steel’, ceremonial soundings took place in outdoor locations chosen by participants along the River Tees Valley and in East Cleveland. Each event was shaped by the ideas and interests of those involved, and documented by local young people, becoming a catalyst for shared reflection and research on the area’s past, present, and future.

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Lead Artist: Nell Catchpole
Photography and Video: Rachel Deakin
’Sounds of Steel’ Research:  Sarah Irwin
’Sounds of Steel’ Project Manager: Dianne Bowell

Gongs made by: Blacksmith, Matthew Snape and Master Blacksmith, Peat Oberon, with expert advice from Filipe Alvez

Project Partners:
MIMA, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art
Land of Iron, Skinningrove
Preston Park Museum, Stockton

With thanks for their collaboration and support: Prior Pursglove College; Redcar & Cleveland College; Tees Valley Museums Young Producers; Tees Valley Creative Place; Loftus Arts; Tees Components; Tees Components Brass Band; St. Helen’s Church, Carlin How; Teesworks Skills Academy. 

Local Services: Creative Cutting Services Ltd; Waterjet-tec; County Print; George Rogers Sound