Discover Cosin’s Library

Arts Award Gallery

In late 2019, we were awarded funding for a two-year project  to open up  Cosin’s  Library – created by Bishop John Cosin of Durham in 1669 – to the wider public by Arts Council England under its Designation Development Fund scheme.

As part of the Cosin’s Library Project we worked with school Diamond Hall Infants Academy with over 70 children in earning their Discover Level Arts Award qualification!

Here you can see the work created with Artist in Residence, Sofia Barton. You can learn more about Sofia and the project by scrolling down.

Take part from home

Cosin’s Library’s Artist in Residence Sofia Barton created a virtual workshop for 5-7 year olds to take part in at school or home.

You can take part at home by downloading the Discover Cosin’s Library worksheet. All you need to take part is an empty matchbox or small box, and any pens, pencils or collage material that you have available. If you would like to submit your work to receive your Arts Award certificate please do get in touch. Please note there is a small charge for this.

Cosins-Worksheet Download

Sofia Barton is a Multidisciplinary Artist from the North East. Experience includes working with BBC Scotland, Edinburgh Fringe & NCJ Media. She has created online workshops for Gem Arts, Working it Out, Durham University and SitC Online.

Sofia is currently Artist Residence for Durham University’s Bishop Cosin’s Library 2020-2021.

About the Matchboxes:
Sofia’s grandfather inspired the matchbox designs. Originally from Ludhiana, dubbed the ‘Manchester of India’, he would collect matchboxes in a bustling industrial city. As a little girl growing up in a crowded flat Sofia would often see these matchboxes with animals, volcanoes and colourful objects with fascination that provided a glimpse of the narratives of the old Punjab. Sofia explores these ideas of representation in heritage, symbolism and imagery in her matchboxes centred around places. objects and people.