Pui Lee

For this project, I was allocated a section of Hadrian’s Wall which seemingly had no/little existing structures to visibly look at. It was interesting to research further into and what became apparent was the stories and archaeological information that still remained if you looked hard enough; and it was this that brought alive to me again of what was once was. 

Upon my quest for more information, I came across the altar stone on display at Seven Stories, Newcastle, and it was this that provided me with much inspiration. This damaged relic was first discovered close by to the Cumberland Arms in 1884. It is thought to be dedicated to the god Mithras, who was popular amongst high ranking soldiers living along the wall. Mithras was said to have sacrificed a bull in a cave so that its power could be released for the good of mankind. ‘Mithras Slaying the Bull’ is a story which reflects promised immortality and personal salvation, helping its followers (who were sworn to secrecy) to seek inner peace and cosmic redemption. 

It is indeed regarded as a masterpiece of ancient Roman sculpture, and is central to Mithraism through its literal and symbol significance helping us to understand more about Roman religions. These untold stories fascinated me greatly and it made me realise that it is essentially the stories which keep something alive – far beyond the physical material it is made from. Interestingly, the altar stone also shows marks of being used as a sharpening tool much later in its life in pre-industrial Ouseburn, which is evident of the continued settlement and industry present in the area. 

And now in 2022, this altar stone, which stands protected in a glass display case, has been the subject for investigation by a local artist, inspiring more and new stories to be told after it is now commemorated as a woodcut print for this exhibition.