Our Projects

Explore the breadth of our past and current projects throughout the region. We deliver a programme of public engagement and participation supporting equity of knowledge and understanding around the region’s innovation then and now.

Advisory Panel: Now Recruiting

Get involved in our refreshed panel, who will play an active role in influencing The Common Room’s decision-making over how we deliver our mission through our programme of engagement and participation.


Our Mission

What did you think?

"Graft & Glory is a really interesting and informative exhibition - and in such a great setting at Tanfield Railway. Great to see a well thought out display celebrating the important industrial heritage of the North East."

Susan Mackall, Land of Oak & Iron

"The exhibited artefact (a large brass Fireman’s helmet) sparked an inspiring debate between a small child and his grandad. They were discussing the design of the helmet and how useful it would be as protection in a fire (e.g. it would get very hot, why was it shiny?) The conversation was short but it showed how something from the past can inspire a conversation today and to think creatively about design and purpose and functionality."

Ednie Wilson, St Mary's Heritage Centre

"From my background working in the engineering sector I understand the importance of sharing this heritage to different audiences to inspire them to go into engineering. The exhibition brings together different elements of the region’s heritage and I enjoyed chatting about this with one of the volunteers."

Alison Reynolds, Strategic Human Resources and Organisational Development Consultant

Volunteering at The Common Room

Our valued volunteers are key in making our programme of activity possible. Click below to find out about volunteering opportunities.

Photo of collections volunteer at a computer