Local Landscape Filmmaking: Saltwell Park in Sunshine | Gateshead’s Historic Boating Lake and Landscape
Today I spent a beautiful afternoon filming in Saltwell Park, one of Gateshead’s most cherished green spaces. Walking in the warm sunshine, camera in hand, I was reminded once again why I love living and working here and why local landscape filmmaking is such an inspiring and rewarding way to document the spirit of this vibrant community.
Gateshead is not just my home; it’s a place filled with warmth, friendliness, and an artistic energy that makes local landscape filmmaking deeply satisfying.
Saltwell Park, often described as the “People’s Park,” has been at the heart of Gateshead life since it opened in 1876. Designed by the landscape gardener Edward Kemp, a renowned figure of the Victorian era, the park’s Victorian park history is visible throughout its elegant flowerbeds, mature trees, and historic Saltwell Towers—a striking Gothic revival mansion overlooking the park—and a picturesque boating lake, which was the main focus of my local landscape filmmaking today. This tranquil lake, framed by mature trees and alive with birdlife, has long been a favourite spot for families and visitors alike.
Gateshead itself has a rich history as a hub for artists and makers. The borough has nurtured a thriving creative community for decades, with many contemporary artists calling it home. The nearby Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead concert hall are just two major cultural landmarks that celebrate this ongoing tradition.
I live just around the corner from Bensham Grove, a beautiful Victorian villa built in 1880 and known for its distinctive Arts and Crafts architecture. Bensham Grove has long attracted artists and craftspeople, inspired by its intricate design details and its role as a community arts hub. Over the years, it has hosted various local arts and crafts groups and workshops, contributing to Gateshead’s reputation as a place where creativity thrives in close connection with its heritage and environment. It’s this blend of history and community that makes local landscape filmmaking here so meaningful.
As a filmmaker specialising in local landscape filmmaking, I’m drawn to capturing these layered stories — the connection between place, people, and creativity. I’m fascinated not only by the natural beauty but also by the rich Victorian park history embedded in every corner of Saltwell Park. My practice involves creating an archive of footage that documents the evolving landscape and community of Gateshead and the surrounding area. Through my lens, I aim to reflect the unique character of these localities—the everyday beauty of a sunlit park and the creative pulse that defines this place. This focus on local landscape filmmaking allows me to preserve moments that are often overlooked but rich with meaning.
In capturing Saltwell Park and other local landscapes, I’ve been making extensive use of my DJI Osmo Pocket 3 combined with what I call my R.L.S (Really Long Stick) technology. This setup allows me to achieve unique and often unseen perspectives—elevated shots and dynamic angles—without the noise, restrictions, or safety concerns that come with flying drones in busy public spaces. Using the Osmo Pocket 3’s compact size and impressive stabilization, paired with the extension of the R.L.S, I can film smoothly from vantage points that bring fresh visual narratives to familiar locations while respecting the peace and privacy of park visitors.
Today’s footage of Saltwell Park fits perfectly into this ongoing project of local landscape filmmaking. Walking through the dappled light under mature trees, filming the blooming flowers and the calm waters of the boating lake, I was reminded of the simple joys that inspire much of my work. Filming outdoors, especially in a place with such history and vitality, brings a sense of connection to the past and present all at once. Each frame becomes a small story, part of a bigger tapestry that documents the culture and spirit of Gateshead through the lens of local landscape filmmaking.
By compiling this archive, I hope to create a visual legacy that not only celebrates the region’s natural beauty but also supports the narrative of Gateshead as a thriving artistic community. My films often feature local artists, musicians, and heritage projects, building bridges between creative practice and place. Saltwell Park, with its welcoming atmosphere and historic charm, is an ideal setting for this kind of storytelling and local landscape filmmaking.
The last time I was filming in the park, I had the privilege of working with South Korean choreographer Misung Kim and a local community dance group. Misung Kim is known for her innovative approach to contemporary dance, blending traditional Korean movement with experimental and community-driven practices. Her work often explores themes of identity, place, and connection, making Saltwell Park a perfect backdrop for her creative vision and community engagement.
Living in Gateshead has enriched my work and my life. The friendliness and openness of the community make every shoot a pleasure, whether I’m filming a public event or quietly capturing a landscape on a sunny afternoon. The creative energy here is palpable—whether it’s painters in their studios, poets sharing words by the riverside, or filmmakers like myself preserving moments that might otherwise slip away through local landscape filmmaking.
If you’re interested in exploring more of my work and the stories I’ve gathered about Gateshead’s artists and landscapes through local landscape filmmaking, you can view my archive of films and videos on my website, as well as follow my visual journey on my Instagram account @newcastle_gateshead_landscapes. Each project is a piece of the wider mosaic that is this remarkable area I’m proud to call home.
If you’re interested in more of my landscape films capturing the beauty of Gateshead and beyond, please visit my collection here: https://alanfentiman.co.uk/vimeo-videos/landscape/.