The North East Art Galleries You Need To Know
Where to see and where to buy the best art
The Biscuit Factory
The Biscuit Factory presents a diverse selection of contemporary work from hundreds of artists and makers from original paintings and sculpture to prints, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and design-led homewares. Supporters of the Own Art scheme, you can spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months, while the gallery’s home approval option lets you see selected pieces in your own space before deciding. Private viewing appointments are available too. From 8th May, as part of The Late Shows, don’t miss the new headline exhibition: Still/Life by Jo Sharpe – a series of still life works which draw on the language of folk art, celebrating honest forms and a lasting connection to place. Alongside this, singer, writer and artist Kathryn Williams presents Striking Image, her first exhibition in the region, featuring a series of intricate portrait miniatures painted onto matchboxes.
Stoddart Street, Newcastle NE2 1AN
0191 261 1103
thebiscuitfactory.com
Coquetdale Art Gallery
Founded in 1975 and run entirely by volunteers, Coquetdale Art Gallery sits above the Rothbury Library and supports local artists, painters and makers. Various workshops take place between March and December if you want to try your hand at a new skill, and around 250 paintings are on sale at any one time so there’s always plenty to see.
Front Street, Rothbury NE65 7TZ
07701 236753
coquetdalearts.co.uk
Mining Art Gallery
With Bishop Auckland holding such strong connections to Durham’s coal mining heritage, it’s only right the town is home to a gallery celebrating mining art. The intimate yet inspiring collection here showcases those who lived and worked in the mines and offers a unique perspective on their experiences. Visitors can see original artefacts and artworks and for the rest of this year, don’t miss Tom McGuinness: Out of the Darkness – an exhibition in his centenary year, celebrating the way he communicated through his art. Drawing on his own experience of working in County Durham’s coal mines, McGuinness captured not just the look of mining life, but its emotion, hardship and humanity. His powerful paintings offer a vivid and moving insight into the lives of North East mining communities.
Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
aucklandproject.org
Come View My Art Gallery
Come View My Art Gallery prides itself on making art accessible to everybody. Whether you want to browse the art on display, show off your own creations, or talk all things art over a coffee, you can do it all here. Featured artists include Kate Van Suddese and gallery owner Brian Rankin, who is currently on his own mission to share the work of local artist Charlie Rogers (head to livingnorth.com to learn more).
122 Sheriffs Highway, Low Fell NE9 5SD
0191 277 2410
comeviewmyartgallery.co.uk
Wild & Free Gallery
This artist-owned contemporary gallery in Whitley Bay works with local and national artists to hosts regular exhibitions and sells a varied range of original art. Visitors can browse a carefully-curated selection of original contemporary paintings and prints, ceramics and glass, as well as a selection of original seasonal gifts.
3A Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay NE26 3ND
wildandfreegallery.co.uk
Gallery Forty5
As seen on BBC Look North, with gallery and exhibition spaces, artists’ studios and a gift shop, there’s plenty to discover inside Gallery Forty5. Resident artists and makers include Fine Fettle Fibres, Sarah Farooqi, Diana Fitzpatrick and Helen Poremba. If you’re feeling inspired, the gallery also runs a programme of creative activities throughout the year, including painting, sewing and printing workshops and classes. Until 28th May see the joint exhibition Textiles; Stories in Thread showcasing the work of five textile artists, and join Spring Blooms Free Motion Embroidery on 16th May with local maker Helen Poremba.
45 Main Street, Felton NE65 9PP
01670 783424
feltongallery45.co.uk
27 Art House
At the heart of Berwick, 27 Art House is a shop, studio and gallery space created by Northumberland artist Amy Izat (who you can learn more about at livingnorth.com). Filled with products especially curated by Amy, the gallery also hosts visiting artists and the studio holds various workshops throughout the year.
Bridge Street, Berwick TD15 1ES
amyizat.com/27-art-house
Laing Art Gallery
Oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware are all on display within the Laing Art Gallery, including pictures by Thomas Girtin, JMW Turner, Edward Lear, JF Lewis and Elizabeth Blackadder and fine pieces of Newcastle silver spanning 400 years. Visitors should check out the Northern Spirit display on the ground floor to see local pieces, and 100 Years of Collecting displays paintings and objects from the Laing’s collection from the 15th century to the present day. Right now (and until 5th September), the gallery is showing the National Portrait Gallery’s celebrated painting competition, the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025, now in its 43rd year, alongside Exploring Identity, a portraiture exhibition curated from North East Museums’ art collections that provides historical context to the Portrait Award.
New Bridge Street, Newcastle NE1 8AG
0191 278 1611
laingartgallery.org.uk
Hancock Gallery
Working with both emerging and established artists this fine art gallery provides expert advice on art investment and showcases an extensive range of contemporary artwork from the UK and beyond. From works by Mark Demsteader to sculptures by Sally Grant, there’s always something new to discover across all floors.
2 Jesmond Road West, Newcastle NE2 4PQ
0191 241 0442
hancockgallery.co.uk
Dockside Gallery
This small independently-owned gallery, on the famous Lowry Trail, is packed with contemporary art and crafts including original paintings, prints, ceramics and jewellery. Exhibitions here change regularly so there are always new artists to discover. We love the collection of artworks depicting the gallery’s surroundings of working docks and coastal landscapes.
84 Main Street, Tweedmouth, Berwick TD15 2AA
01289 302437
docksidegallery.co.uk
Woodhorn Museum
This former colliery is now home to a popular visitor attraction which celebrates Northumberland’s proud mining heritage, and visitors can see the Ashington Group Collection of artworks, commonly known as the ‘Pitmen Painters’, reputed to be the first collection of amateur art to go on permanent display anywhere in the world. The annual Northumberland Open at Woodhorn Museum is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland so don’t miss your chance to see this popular art exhibition until 10th May, featuring 568 works by more than 280 artists, many of which are available to buy.
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Ashington NE63 9YF
01670 624455
woodhornmuseum.org.uk
The Bowes Museum
Come to see the iconic Silver Swan in action and stay for the world-class collection of art on display. In the heart of Teesdale, this museum (the vision of Joséphine Bowes and her husband John) houses historic art, fashion and design from around the world. Until 6th September don’t miss the museum’s most ambitious Vivienne Westwood exhibition to date, and various Westwood-themed workshops will be taking place throughout the summer.
Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
01833 690606
thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Emily Ward Art
North Shields-based artist Emily Ward sells original paintings inspired by the region’s mo st beautiful locations, as well as a huge selection of gifts and even kitchen splashbacks. Her vibrant artwork and signature speckled designs are instantly recognisable and when Emily’s not exhibiting at fairs across the country you can visit her studio by appointment on weekdays in North Shields.
5 Campville, North Shields NE29 0NR
07956 343374
emilywardart.com
MIMA
MIMA is an international art gallery and museum which commissions, collects and re-thinks modern and contemporary art, and it’s home to the Middlesbrough Collection which comprises more than 2,350 works of art and craft made by British and international artists from the mid-1800s to today. Emerging and early career artists from across the UK have been selected to take part in a touring exhibition with artists Pio Abad, Louise Giovanelli and Grace Ndiritu. See New Contemporaries at MIMA from 8th May. Most excitingly, MIMA will host the annual Turner Prize, organised by Tate, this autumn celebrating the most exciting new developments in British art.
Centre Square, Middlesbrough TS1 2AZ
01642 931232
mima.art
Globe Gallery
Globe Gallery is within the vibrant North Shields cultural quarter and also collaborates with the North Tyneside Art Studio to display work at the Bridge Gallery in Tynemouth Station. They take pride in proving that art should be accessible to everyone and the team are always looking for ways to take art beyond the gallery walls and into the community. Recently, the original Viz brothers Chris and Simon Donald made a North Shields comic (their fist since Viz) which you can buy now at Globe Gallery.
97 Howard Street, North Shields NE30 1NA
globegallery.org
Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art
On the banks of Gateshead Quayside, this iconic gallery boasts an impressive four floors of art to discover with ever-changing exhibitions, a sensory room, and a library which holds more than 13,000 books on contemporary art and visual culture. Don’t miss Milly Thompson My Body Temperature is Feeling Good until 30th August – a solo exhibition of work by the late painter, sculptor and writer Milly Thompson – and in the Baltic Shop you can browse artworks for your home and gifts for art lovers.
Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
0191 478 1810
baltic.art
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
This gallery in the heart of the town tells the rich and diverse story of South Tyneside and its people, combining history, art and community heritage. The Story of South Tyneside is a permanent gallery tracing the area’s journey from Roman times to today, while ever-changing displays offer new fresh perspectives on history, art and culture. In the Presence of Nature until 30th May focuses on the power of art and nature and how artists engage with it. From 29th August don’t miss the second instalment of the National Gallery’s Masterpiece Tour: The Marquise de Seignelay by Pierre Mignard.
10 Ocean Road, South Shields NE33 2JA
0191 277 1433
southshieldsmuseum.org.uk
Sarah Nelson Studio
Sunderland-born artist Sarah Nelson has built a sustainable creative hub in the Durham Dales. Sarah’s hempcrete home/studio combines a studio and gallery, and has become a creative hub. Her inaugural exhibition featured on Grand Designs and she will curate and host exhibitions and arts-related workshops both in the house and the studio. Upcoming workshops include cyanotype printmaking on 20th June and expressive drawing on 27th June. Ruth Wharton’s work is currently on display, with an exhibition of her drawings and etchings.
6 Sun Road, Woodland, Durham DL13 5NF
sarahnelsonstudio.co.uk
Allendale Forge Studios
Allendale Forge Studios’s gallery space hosts monthly creative exhibitions and exhibiting artists often offer the chance to meet them, while some run workshops alongside. In June ceramics will be on display and in July Sue Higginson-Bell will be showcasing her works. There’s also a gift shop at the Forge, run by artisan makers, so you can browse more creations.
Market Place, Allendale Town, near Hexham NE47 9BD
01434 683975
allendaleforgestudios.co.uk
FIKA
FIKA’s collection of contemporary art showcases both leading and up-and-coming artists from across the North East, including Ruth Bond and Jonathan Antony. FIKA studio is the gallery’s creative workshop space and various workshops are hosted throughout the year, from sip and paints to the Japanese art of Kintsugi.
1–3 Oldgate, Morpeth NE61 1LT
01670 343103
fikagallery.co.uk
Gallerina
This contemporary fine art gallery in Darlington shares the work of local, national and international talent. Their aim is to exhibit (probably) the best and largest collection of original contemporary art in the North of England, and has been since 1998. The gallery’s featured artists include Lou Harris, Tom McGuinness and Rob Ryan, and their spring exhibition (from 18th April) will celebrate the season with a new collection of works throughout the gallery.
1 Victoria Road, Darlington DL1 5SJ
01325 363635
gallerina.co.uk
Hartlepool Art Gallery
Housed within a restored Victorian church and right at the cultural heart of this port town, Hartlepool Art Gallery hosts exhibitions for international, national and regional artists, and a programme of events throughout the year, whilst also selling work by local makers and artists in the shop. On 13th May and 10th June Hartlepool Art Club will meet with talks, demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions, and on every other Saturday children can join a special art group to learn new skills.
Church Street, Hartlepool TS24 7EQ
01429 869706
culturehartlepool.com
Alan Reed Studio & Gallery
For more than 40 years Alan Reed has developed his own painting style that’s now instantly recognisable. From landscapes to cityscapes the painter from Northumberland captures atmosphere in watercolour or oils. Each piece captures a sense of place and you can get a closer look at his works by arranging a visit to his studio by appointment. You’ll be greeted with a coffee and have the opportunity to browse at your leisure.
Ponteland NE20 9BE
01661 820626
alanreed.com
Spanish Gallery
The UK’s first gallery dedicated to the art and culture of the Spanish Golden Age is right at the heart of Bishop Auckland and is home to one of the UK’s largest collections of 16th- and 17th-century Spanish artworks outside London, including masterpieces by El Greco and Zurbarán. The gallery itself is inspired by Zurbarán’s series of Spanish masterpieces, Jacob and His Twelve Sons, which have hung in nearby Auckland Palace for more than 250 years. Across four floors and in two Grade II-listed buildings, this is a unique space to admire artworks you won’t see anywhere else in the region.
Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7JF
aucklandproject.org
36 Lime Street
36 Lime Street is a one-stop-shop for a huge variety of art. At the heart of the Ouseburn Valley, in what was previously a flax mill, this Grade II-listed building is now home to more than 50 artists, makers and designers across five floors. Residents include Zoe Garner Glass, Becky Helliar of Rawpots and visual artist Bethan Maddocks.
36 Lime Street, Ouseburn NE1 2PQ
0191 261 5666
36limestreet.co.uk
The Old School Gallery
Alnmouth’s arty hidden gem, The Old School Gallery showcases fine art, printmaking and illustrations, and hosts ever-changing exhibitions. Featured artists include painter Emily Powell, printmaker Penfold Press, and illustrator Janine Burrows. From 12th June to 13th July don’t miss North Yorkshire-based archaeologist and artist Rose Ferraby’s exhibition of work exploring the relationship between people and landscape through time.
Alnmouth NE66 3NH
01665 830554
theoldschoolgallery.co.uk
Mushroom Works Studios and Gallery
Mushroom Works has 16 studio spaces and a gallery/exhibition space where regular exhibitions, workshops and classes take place. From jewellers to furniture makers and illustrators to mixed-media artists, this gallery is home to a diverse group of creators. Featured artists include illustrator Josie Brookes and designer makers Multiminded, and a visit here is the perfect opportunity to meet them.
St Lawrence Road, Newcastle NE6 1AR
0191 224 4011
mushroomworks.com
Mary Ann Rogers
Northumberland artist Mary Ann Rogers lives and breathes the county. Her highly collectable, vibrant artwork is exhibited in galleries throughout the UK and features in private collections worldwide, and art lovers flock to her West Woodburn gallery. The art Mary Ann creates tends to follow the seasons from landscapes to wildlife as her studio is surrounded by the wild hills of Northumberland, whose inhabitants, along with her own menagerie of birds, feature in her work and delight visitors to her gallery. Many of her creations now decorate gifts such as wearable art and stationery. Read more about Mary Ann and discover her work at livingnorth.com.
West Woodburn, Hexham NE48 2SE
01434 270216
marogers.com
24NE Gallery
Sunderland’s newest fine art gallery has seen a group of artists come together to curate individual collections of work. Visitors can purchase any of the works on display, from £90, including heritage-themed pieces and abstract paintings. Featured artists include Darren Timby who is known in Sunderland for his screw art pieces (find out more at livingnorth.com), and Dr Ron Lawson who created the Molly sculpture on St Peter’s Riverside. Keep an eye on their socials for upcoming showcases and events.
2 Fawcett Street, Sunniside, Sunderland SR1 1SJ
Instagram: @twentyfournortheast
