In 2004, artist/printmaker Linda Nevill and performance poet Emma Purshouse collaborated successfully to produce a poem and an image on the theme of a Black Country farewell, entitled 'Tarra a Bit'. It was a phrase that had fascinated Linda since she first heard Emma say 'goodbye' in what was, at first, an incomprehensible Black Country way.

As a result, they decided to form a group of artists and poets to work together. Artists produced work inspired by poetry, and poets produced work inspired by images.