Handmade soft pastels
A visit to Unison Colour in Northumberland is a dream come true. Meeting with the brilliant team behind these fabulous handmade pastels was a real treat. Trying myself as a pastel maker was an adventure.
Handmade! They are really made by hand, every step from measuring the ingredients to rolling the pastels, the only machinery used in this process is a Kenwood mixmaster. Wet, dry, new and old all in the most beautiful colour range imaginable. Theres always time for a nice cuppa.
Unison Colour is so beautifully placed in the middel of it all, it’s not easy to find and you definitely need a car, bikes doesn’t do it. We traveled with Logan Air to Newcastle and took the train to Hexham where our good friends and hosts picked us up and took us by car for an hour or so to get to the small but busy workplace .
The landscape or Northumberland is so beautiful with rounded hills, long slopes that must be great for sledging in the winter and a big sky, with wide views.
The exhibition “The magic of dark skies” are arranged to mark the ten year anniversary for the dark Sky national park and is open for all at The Sill, Visitor centre not far from Sycamore gap and close to Hadrian’s Wall.
I had to take home some new pastels, the big black brute is a real treat and absolutely brilliant when I want to cover larger areas.
A BIG thank you for making this trip so special, it was great meeting you all! I hope to see you again, keep in touch!
The Sill is worth visiting, its is beautiful located at the beginning of the national park, it has accommodation near by. From here you can explore the whole park and experience the dar skies if yoi come at the right time of year.