The North East Art Galleries You Need To Know
Where to see and where to buy the best art
FARFIELD MILL
Farfield Mill is an art, craft and heritage gallery housed in a former Victorian woollen mill. There are four floors where you can learn about the history of the Mill, see open artists’ studios and beautiful gallery spaces exhibiting and selling a range of contemporary art and crafts. Nestled at the foot of the Howgill Fells, the Mill is surrounded by beautiful, tranquil countryside. Enjoy a stroll to Garsdale Bridge and watch the River Clough flowing beside the Mill or relax with a coffee and piece of cake in the Tea Room.
Garsdale Road, Sedbergh LA10 5LW
015936 21971
farfieldmill.org
NORTHERN GALLERY FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
Now situated within Sunderland’s National Glass Centre, the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is a public gallery that has been showcasing North East talent alongside art from around the world for more than half a century. In the main gallery until 5th July Hetain Patel: Come As You Really Are features hundreds of unique hand-crafted objects and collections submitted from across the North East.
National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland SR6 0GL
0191 515 5555
sunderlandculture.org.uk
GALLERY 45
A gallery and arts centre with a gift shop, café and artist’s studios, Gallery 45 hosts a programme of creative activities throughout the year and there’s plenty of cool gifts and art to purchase inside. Current exhibiting artists include Northumbrian sculptor Lee Kershaw, Northumberland-based painter Nick Potter and award-winning pastel artist Fiona Carvell. Browse the shop for prints, cards and gifts.
45 Main Street, Felton NE65 9PP
01670 783424
feltongallery45.co.uk
THE SHIPLEY ART GALLERY
The Shipley Art Gallery opened in 1917 with a collection of 504 paintings. The collection has grown (and grown) to include nearly 800 paintings and art works, and is also home to The Henry Rothschild collection of studio ceramics. Visitors can explore five gallery spaces and a variety of temporary exhibitions, and unique events take place here throughout the year. On 10th May visitors can have a go at decorating a serving or chopping board by learning the technique of acrylic pouring.
Prince Consort Road, Gateshead NE8 4JB
0191 477 1495
shipleyartgallery.org.uk
CLARENDON FINE ART
This intimate gallery space in Newcastle is part of the UK’s largest and most successful gallery network and displays work by dynamic and contemporary artists alongside modern masters working during the 20th century including Warhol, Picasso and Lowry. On 6th June don’t miss your chance to see an exhibition of contemporary artist Dan Pearce’s original works and limited editions, where there’ll be a drinks reception, a live DJ and a chance to meet Dan.
Unit SU9a, Monument Mall, 4 Blackett Street,
Newcastle NE1 7AL
0191 580 0587
clarendonfineart.com
DENNIS KILGALLON GALLERY
Inspired by landscape, architecture and mythology, Dennis Kilgallon has more than four decades of experience and in summer 2015 he set up a gallery in the hills above Allen Banks, showing his own work and pieces by other artists too. Celebrating a decade of success this year, exhibitions change here every two months and visitors to the gallery can browse paintings, ceramics and sculptures.
South Barn, East Steel, Whitfield, Hexham NE47 8JP
07496 754601
denniskilgallon.co.uk
WILD & FREE GALLERY
This contemporary art gallery in Whitley Bay was founded by local artist Gail Curry and she displays her work alongside regular exhibitions from other artists. From 27th April to 17th May, visitors can enjoy the new exhibition Tracy Bidwell – Shadow Light which focuses on the hopeful details in everyday objects and places.
3A Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay NE26 3ND
wildandfreegallery.co.uk
HANCOCK GALLERY
This fine art gallery in a three-storey Georgian townhouse in the centre of Newcastle works with both emerging and established artists and visitors can expect to see oil paintings, collectable limited editions and sculptures. They have a dedicated advisory team to help you, whether you’re making a one-off purchase, an investment or looking to grow a collection. Right now visitors to the gallery have the opportunity to see authentic Banksy limited editions up close.
2 Jesmond Road West, Newcastle NE2 4PQ
0191 241 0442
hancockgallery.co.uk
ALEXANDER MILLAR FINE ART
Self-taught, Ayrshire-born contemporary impressionist artist Alexander Millar is one of the UK’s most loved and collectable artists. He’s also one of the few living artists who have had museum exhibitions in Newcastle, Glasgow and New York, and he sells his work worldwide. From atmospheric landscapes to his traditional ‘gadgies’ figures, his work is instantly recognisable. In his Newcastle gallery, Alexander sells a comprehensive collection of his paintings, drawings and prints over three floors. Now’s your last chance to visit his Newcastle gallery before the iconic Grey Street outpost closes in July, while his Glasgow gallery will continue to operate. To mark his semi-retirement, the artist is offering collectors a 50 percent saving on original artworks and up to a 30 percent saving on framed, signed and limited edition prints.
55–59 Grey Street, Newcastle NE6 6EF
0191 230 4440
alexandermillar.com
27 ART HOUSE
Amy Izat collapsed from a brain haemorrhage in 2014 and had a 50 percent chance of surviving. Now she’s running her own successful gallery in Berwick and has an impressive portfolio of work. At 27 Art House (a shop, studio and gallery) she sells her own artwork (originals, greeting cards, postcards, prints and homeware) alongside work by other artists and also hosts workshops throughout the year. Artist Phoebe Stewart Carter and Amy live together above the gallery and Phoebe paints in her studio upstairs.
Bridge Street, Berwick TD15 1ES
amyizat.com
SPANISH GALLERY
Bishop Auckland is home to the UK’s first gallery dedicated to the art and culture of the Spanish Golden Age. This gallery is inspired by Francisco de Zurbarán’s series of Spanish masterpieces, Jacob and His Twelve Sons (which have hung in Auckland Palace for over 250 years) and art on display includes masterpieces by renowned artists including El Greco, Murillo, Zurbarán and Velázquez, across four floors and housed in two stunning Grade II-listed buildings. Don’t miss the special exhibition featuring physical facsimiles of great Spanish works of art.
Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7JF
aucklandproject.org
BALTIC CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
Located on Gateshead quayside, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art creates and produces exhibitions, activities and opportunities that explore our understanding of the world. Visitors are spoilt for choice with 2,600 square metres of exhibition space. In 2022, it became the first Gallery of Sanctuary in England, in recognition of its work to support forced migration communities in the North East. Until 11th May, Koestler Arts and Baltic are presenting artwork made in criminal justice settings in the North East; until 1st June, children will love the interactive exhibition Play Interact Explore; and until 15th June Newcastle-based artist Mani Kambo is exploring the inner spirit with her exhibition Ax·is Mun·di. Visitors can buy art works in the Baltic Shop.
Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
0191 478 1810
baltic.art
HOUSE OF SMUDGE
John Smith (known locally as Smudge) was born in Bishop Auckland and grew up in Spennymoor. He’s been painting and sketching since primary school and finds his inspiration in our local history and culture. Many of his instantly-recognisable pieces feature men with flat caps and women in headscarfs, and inside his small but mighty Bishop Auckland gallery you can browse originals, prints, cards and gifts.
46 Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland DL14 7PE
07434 669821
jwsmithsmudge.com
WOODHORN MUSEUM
Experience the world of The Ashington Group (also known as the Pitmen Painters) in Woodhorn Museum’s own art gallery. The Ashington Group produced hundreds of paintings showing what life was like both above and below ground for their mining communities in Northumberland and you can see many of their paintings in this dedicated gallery space. The museum hosts a short tour where you can learn more about the painters and until 1st June in the museum’s Workshop Galleries visitors can see contemporary artwork by artists from across Northumberland and beyond in the annual Northumberland Open – the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland.
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Ashington NE63 9YF
01670 624455
museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
LAING ART GALLERY
Businessman Alexander Laing provided the funds to build the Laing Art Gallery, which was founded in 1901. Today, the gallery is home to an internationally important collection of art, with a focus on British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware. As well as admiring the art works on display, visitors enjoy exhibitions and events including artist and curator talks and activities for all members of the family. A particular highlight is the grand Marble Hall displaying creations by Henry Moore and Turner Prize nominee Paul Noble. This April there are special workshops for children and it’s the last chance to see Romance to Realities, an exciting exhibition exploring more than 200 years of landscape painting in the North of England and Scotland.
New Bridge Street, Newcastle NE1 8AG
0191 278 1611
laingartgallery.org.uk
FIKA GALLERY
Fika Gallery in Morpeth is owned by mixed-media artist Jonathan Antony, and houses both a contemporary exhibition space (showcasing emerging and renowned artists from the North East and beyond) and a vibrant coffee shop. Visitors can see artwork by Jonathan himself, as well as a range of artists including local sculptor Tom Maley. Recently the gallery has started hosting creative workshops in its new studio space and on 26th April guests can create a sculptural wire bird with the help of sculptural artist, Zoe Robinson.
1–3 Oldgate, Morpeth NE61 1LT
01670 123456
fikagallery.co.uk
COME VIEW MY ART GALLERY
A lockdown creation, Come View My Art was formed to bring local artists together to talk and share their work during the pandemic. Now in a physical gallery, up-and-coming artists display and sell their creations alongside work by established local artists. Feeling inspired? The Artist In the Window gives visitors the chance to talk to one of the artists as they work, learn from their favourite techniques and have a go themselves.
122 Sheriffs Highway, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 5SD
07742 749906
comeviewmyartgallery.co.uk
JOANNE WISHART GALLERY
Award-winning artist Joanne Wishart creates paintings, prints and gifts all inspired by the surrounding coastal landscape. You can browse all of these and more in her Cullercoats gallery which has recently celebrated its sixth birthday. Joanne also offers a framing service for when you’ve found the perfect piece for your home.
6 St George’s Road, Cullercoats NE30 3JY
0191 252 2686
joannewishart.co.uk
MIMA
Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) connects art, people and ideas by commissioning, collecting and re-thinking contemporary art. As the artistic heart of the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Teesside University, the gallery also supports creative learning and offers free daily tours. The Open Access Collection Store offers a unique opportunity to view the entire collection of ceramic and jewellery in the Middlesbrough Collection, and this spring and summer you can discover the story behind Bottle of Notes – the town’s iconic public sculpture (and the only UK work by celebrated artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen).
Centre Square, Middlesbrough TS1 2AZ
01642 931232
mima.art
MARY ANN ROGERS GALLERY
Mary Ann Rogers’ country house gallery showcases her watercolour paintings which are inspired by her stunning rural surroundings and its inhabitants. As well as original paintings, she sells prints, stationery and gifts featuring her work. Mary Ann’s work is highly collectable and she exhibits in selected galleries throughout the UK, whilst many of her pieces feature in many private collections worldwide.
West Woodburn, Hexham NE48 2SE
01434 270216
marogers.com
DARREN MUNDY ART GALLERY & STUDIO
Darren has opened Whitley Bay’s newest art gallery at the very heart of its busy high street. A warm and friendly welcome awaits from Darren. See all of his work including paintings, prints, cards and lots of gifts including coasters, mugs, jigsaws and lots more created especially for the gallery. He also works from the studio within the gallery space so you can see him creating his latest paintings. Darren’s main aim is to make you smile and with his strong contrast of light and dark colours to create his signature eye-catching palette he usually succeeds. Darren also undertakes private commission work.
149 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3RF
07895 023260
darrenmundy.co.uk
36 LIME STREET
In the heart of the Ouseburn Valley, 36 Lime Street was formerly a flax mill but is now a creative hub for more than 50 artists, makers and designers across five floors. Residents include potter Becky Helliar and visual artist Bethan Maddocks, both of whom you can learn more about at livingnorth.com.
Ouseburn, Newcastle NE1 2PQ
0191 261 5666
36limestreet.co.uk
THE OLD SCHOOL GALLERY
Housed in a beautifully restored village school dating from 1872, this charming gallery offers visitors the chance to admire and purchase a collection of fine art, prints and illustrations as well as gifts and ceramics. Expect to see art works by artists such as Jimmy Turrell and Living North LIVE exhibitor Sue Fenlon, and celebrate 20 years of the Penfold Press in a unique exhibition until 28th April.
Alnmouth NE66 3NH
01665 830554
theoldschoolgallery.co.uk
MINING ART GALLERY
Given County Durham’s history, it’s only right this mining town has an art gallery dedicated to the industry. As you browse the original artefacts and artworks on display, you’ll find a greater insight into the lives of coal miners and the communities that grew around them. Art includes emotional work from local artists such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish. Until June, don’t miss Ted Holloway: A Bevin Boy Remembered, an exhibition bringing together this artist’s paintings and drawings.
Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
aucklandproject.org
THE BOWES MUSEUM
While you’re obviously heading to The Bowes Museum to see the iconic 250-year-old Silver Swan, you’ll stick around for the French-style museum’s impressive art collection. This museum was the creation of Joséphine and John Bowes, and first opened to the public in 1892. It has a permanent collection of artworks, ceramics and antique furniture, and the galleries span seven centuries of creation. Until June you mustn’t miss the landmark exhibition honouring the 200th anniversary of museum co-founder, Joséphine, which displays three centuries of eclectic art and a curated selection of works from The Bowes Museum’s collection as well as major loans. Visitors can marvel at work by world-renowned artists including Pablo Picasso and Sir Grayson Perry whilst gaining a better understanding of Joséphine’s approach to collecting.
Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
01833 690606
thebowesmuseum.org.uk
BLAGDON GALLERY
Blagdon Gallery is a vibrant hub for art and lifestyle, deeply rooted in the local culture of the North East and Northumberland. For 15 years it has been a steadfast supporter of regional artists, offering a platform for their creative expressions. Nestled in the picturesque Milkhope Centre on the Blagdon Estate in Northumberland, the gallery proudly displays a diverse range of artworks from local artists, celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the area. In addition to art, Blagdon Gallery stocks an array of lifestyle products. From 11th April to 11th May visitors can enjoy Alan Reed’s 40th anniversary exhibition.
Milkhope Centre, Berwick Hill Road, Newcastle NE13 6DA
01670 789944
blagdongallery.co.uk
ALLENDALE FORGE STUDIOS
Allendale Forge Studios is entirely volunteer-run. As well as browsing art works, visitors can also meet local artists here, and the shop is packed with gift ideas from Northern makers too. Exhibitions and workshops take place throughout the year to engage visitors in art.
Market Place, Allendale NE47 9BD
01434 683975
allendaleforgestudios.co.uk
COQUETDALE ART GALLERY
Founded in 1975, Coquetdale Art Gallery is run entirely by volunteers and it’s particularly worth visiting as there’s no online shop. Various classes and workshops throughout the year inspire visitors to get involved in art and there’s always a new solo or joint exhibition to enjoy in the studio. This year is the gallery’s 50th anniversary and it’s currently displaying a new special exhibition in the studio, Beyond Vision, featuring photography including iconic landmarks around Northumberland by blind and partially sighted photographers from Vision Northumberland Camera Club.
Court Buildings, Front Street, Rothbury NE65 7TZ
07701 236753
coquetdalearts.co.uk
THE BISCUIT FACTORY
For more than 20 years, this former Victorian warehouse in Newcastle’s cultural quarter has been home to the UK’s largest independent contemporary art, craft and design gallery. Visitors here browse works by contemporary artists from across the UK and until 11th May, painter Fiona Sturrock is displaying her art work for the gallery’s spring headline exhibition, then on 16th May as part of the popular Late Shows, you won’t want to miss the public opening of comedian, actor and artist Jim Moir’s (aka Vic Reeves) headline exhibition.
16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle NE2 1AN
0191 261 1103
thebiscuitfactory.com
HARTLEPOOL ART GALLERY
With exhibitions and an exciting programme of events throughout the year, Hartlepool Art Gallery has opportunities to inspire budding artists and entertain visitors. The gallery is going coastal from 12th April–14th June for its new exhibition, Charting the Course: Hartlepool’s Maritime Heritage, shining a spotlight on Hartlepool’s maritime heritage with ship portraits from the Under Steam Collection and treasures from Hartlepool’s own collection. There’s a café here too and and you can browse work by local designer-makers and artists in the shop.
Church Street, Hartlepool TS24 7EQ
01429 869706
culturehartlepool.com
