The Best Local Galleries And Artists
Your A-Z guide to the best local galleries and artists
36 Lime Street
36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle NE1 2PQ
This 19th century former flax mill in the heart of the Ouseburn Valley was once a derelict warehouse, but now houses more than 40 artists, makers and designers across its five contemporary floors, and welcomes the public to a variety of amazing events.
0191 261 5666 36limestreet.co.uk
Alan Reed Art
17 Cheviot View, Ponteland, Northumberland NE20 9BP
Northumberland-born artist Alan Reed has an instantly recognisable painting style, with his work capturing both the atmosphere of bustling city life and serene rural landscapes, which you can view for yourself at his studio and gallery. If you’d like an original Alan Reed, you can purchase them from the gallery or on his website.
01661 820626 alanreed.com
Alexander Millar
Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6EF
Alexander Millar has become one of the UK’s most collectable artists. Alexander is a contemporary-impressionist artist, capturing the likes of working class men and women from a bygone era, as well as sharply-dressed characters and captivating landscapes. Now, The Alexander Millar Fine Art Gallery has reopened to the public on Grey Street, Newcastle, featuring his latest collection. You may also recognise his work from other regional venues and spaces, with his contemporary-impressionist art exhibiting in The Great North Hancock Museum, as well as ‘The Angel’ sculpture in Metro Centre, Gateshead.
0191 230 4440 alexandermillar.com
The Biscuit Factory
Stoddart Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle NE2 1AN
Established in 2002, this former Victorian biscuit manufacturing warehouse is now a key landmark in the cultural landscape of the region, and is the UK’s largest independent commercial art, craft and design gallery. It provides a platform for local artists, showcases established artists and supports new and emerging designer makers, and also hosts a plethora of creative workshops.
0191 261 1103 thebiscuitfactory.com
Dennis Kilgallon Gallery
South Barn, Hexham NE47 8JP
The work of Dennis Kilgallon is heavily inspired by landscape, architecture, antiquity and mythology – making for captivating and thought-provoking art. After setting up a new gallery in 2015, the artist rotates exhibitions every two months – keeping the collections fresh and vibrant with new pieces. With the work of Andrew Crane and Steph Jamieson currently exhibiting alongside Dennis’ own paintings and sculptures, you’ll be sure to discover unique pieces of art, just a stone’s throw away from the busy town of Hexham.
07496 754601 denniskilgallon.co.uk
Castlegate House Gallery
Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9HA
Castlegate House Gallery undoubtedly feature some of the best in 20th century British and contemporary art. Located in an unspoilt Georgian house, they have regular exhibitions and specialise in internationally-renowned artists (like Percy Kelly and Winifred Nicholson). Aside from featuring the biggest artists around, the gallery also showcases the work of young up-and-coming artists. The gallery also has a passion for British ceramics and showcases pottery by the likes of Edward Hughes and Jim Malone.
01900 822149 castlegatehouse.co.uk
Happy Planet Creative Arts
3A Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay NE26 3ND
Gail Curry set up Happy Planet Creative Arts in 2014 in the hope that she would enable people to explore the creative arts to benefit their own personal wellbeing, as well as help budding artists to make a career out of art. The gallery crosses over as a gift shop, offering the work of local artists and ensuring the art and gifts available are ethical. With a variety of exhibitions and one-off workshops throughout the year, be sure to pop into the gallery in Whitley Bay – and you can shop the gifts online, too.
07752 356880 happyplanetstudio.co.uk
Fiona Carvell
Gallery Forty5, Main Street, Felton NE65 9PP
Fiona Carvell has established herself as an expert in the world of pastels. Her work continues to explore a wide variety of subject matters, reflecting her love of representing differing settings and themes. This summer, she is running a series of workshops and exhibitions, including pastel summer landscape classes. Fiona’s pieces can also be found in selected galleries across the country, including Gallery Forty5 in Northumberland. Gallery Forty5 is spread across two exciting exhibition spaces, and the gallery also offers workshop-style programmes of creative activities throughout the year, including painting, sewing and printing classes – so you can learn a new craft from the experts themselves.
01670 783424 feltongallery45.co.uk
Hancock Gallery
2 Jesmond Road West, Newcastle NE2 4PQ
Situated in the heart of Newcastle in a stunning Georgian building, Hancock Gallery is one of the city’s most exciting new independent art galleries. From talented emerging artists to more established names, the gallery showcases the best modern and contemporary artwork through its exhibitions and artist events. The gallery are currently exhibiting Doing:unDoing – which celebrates local and international artists as they examine aspects of popular culture, consumerism and politics in their work.
0191 241 0442 hancockgallery.co.uk
Inspired By… Gallery
The Moors National Park Centre, Lodge Lane, Danby, Whitby YO21 2NB
Showcasing art that is inspired by the landscape, life and colours of the North Yorkshire Moors, Inspired By… Gallery offers a vibrant artistic escape. With a host of exhibitions, currently featuring York Printmakers and Dave Mercer, as well as writing classes, acrylic workshops and ‘meet the artist’ preview events over the summer months, the gallery will leave you feeling inspired. Be sure to pop into the gallery shop and craft area, where you can peruse bespoke prints, photography, artisan crafts and jewellery. The gallery itself is located in The Moors National Park Centre.
01439 772737 northyorkmoors.org.uk
KT Heart Art
In memory of her sister Claire, Karen Hughes set up KT Heart Art – a collection of moving, beautiful paintings and prints inspired by the matching heart tattoo she shared with her sister. Karen’s art incorporates love, spirituality and abstract figures in every print, with the message that ‘love is greater than loss’ inspiring the collection. You can shop KT Heart Art online and at North East Art Collective in Eldon Square, Newcastle.
07581 031694 ktheartart.com
Laing Art Gallery
New Bridge Street, Newcastle NE1 8AG
Founded in 1901 by Alexander Laing, the historic Laing Art Gallery has stood as an internationally important venue on the art scene for more than 100 years. The gallery constantly rotate and introduce new exhibitions, and is currently exhibiting the work of Laura Knight, Dod Proctor, Gwen John and Vanessa Bell in the ‘Challenging Convention’ collection. There’s something for everyone at the gallery, featuring a beautiful Marble Hall, under fives’ area and learning spaces hosting workshops and classes. You can find the gallery in the centre of Newcastle, with the popular café and gallery shop on the ground floor.
0191 278 1611 laingartgallery.org.uk
Lucy Kitch Creative
Based in Stockton, Lucy Kitch Creative produces bold art pieces based on local landmarks and locations, as well as recognisable British and international spots. With places such as Durham, Newcastle and Teesside informing her work, she has gathered quite the following on her Etsy page and beyond. Displaying vibrant pops of colour and combining traditional with modern twists on distinct settings, Lucy Kitching’s hand-illustrated prints are certainly one to watch.
etsy.com/uk/shop/LucyKitchCreative
National Glass Centre
Liberty Way, Sunderland SR6 0GL
Sunderland has a rich glass-making heritage, and at the National Glass Centre you can discover it in depth. Fancy seeing glass being made first hand? Visit a free glass-blowing demonstration and prepare to be hypnotised, or if you feel creative, book a Glass Making Experience. There are also a range of exhibitions to inspire your work, including the ‘No Strings’ online exhibition and in-gallery workshop, featuring the work of seven international artists working with glass beads in unconventional ways.
0191 515 5555 nationalglasscentre.com
North East Art Collective
Eldon Garden, Newcastle NE1 7RA
This unique selling gallery opened in 2010, devoting itself to North East art. Displaying the work of more than 150 North East artists over 11 display rooms, the gallery offers an array of art pieces and ceramics to shop, highlighting the passionate inspiration artists find in the region. You can find North East Art Collective in Eldon Square, Newcastle.
0191 231 2483 northeastartcollective.co.uk
The Old School Gallery
Foxton Road, Alnmouth NE66 3NH
Alnmouth’s light, airy gallery is home to the wonderful paintings of Northumberland artist Sue Fenlon, and you can also see her stunning range of prints, cards and gifts. The gallery also features an ever-changing selection of work by other leading artists – with their Summer Exhibition set to display from 16th July. With so much to see and do, you’ll simply have to have a slice of homemade cake from their gallery coffee shop to keep your strength up.
01665 830554 theoldschoolgallery.co.uk
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
Burdon Road, Sunderland SR1 1PP
As well as their flourishing Winter Gardens, Sunderland Museum offer an array of artistic experiences and exhibitions to explore. Exhibiting the world’s largest collection of Sunderland-made pottery, you can delve into the inspiration behind the style and decoration of distinctive Sunderland ceramics. The second floor also boasts an extensive art gallery and Victorian collection, featuring salon-hung pieces and sculpture.
0191 561 2323 sunderlandculture.org.uk
Richard Buckley
Sunderland-born Richard Buckley’s work has been exhibited and sold locally, nationally and globally for over a decade. Working mostly in oils on canvas, Richard’s current series of work uses his children as inspiration for his bright, colourful paintings, depicting childhood adventures with family, friends, pets and favourite toys, which he creates in his purpose built garden studio at his home in Sunderland. His family are his biggest inspiration and driving force behind his artwork.
07951 299579 richardbuckley.co.uk
Ord Originals
Handcrafted in Northumberland, Ord Originals make unique products and artwork by using hand-collected flowers and a mixture of chemicals and acids to print their designs onto copper and brass, including clocks, cards and coasters inspired by nature. The prints are lacquered to finish to create a truly bespoke piece of artwork for your home. All of their work is completely original. Find them at our next event.
07772 398644 instagram.com/ordoriginals
Treeby & Bolton
Lake Road, Keswick CA12 5BX
Featuring ceramics, glassware, paintings and plenty of gift ideas from a wide selection of artists, there’s certainly something for everyone at Treeby & Bolton’s gallery. The comfortable atmosphere makes browsing and buying the art here a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and there’s a lovely café to treat yourself to a coffee or even a glass of wine afterwards.
01768 772443 treebybolton.co.uk
