EXCITING NEWS!

 2019 sees the centenary of the birth of Norman Cornish, world renowned artist, who was born in Spennymoor. A former miner, he was known for his pictures of mining and community life in and around the pit villages in Durham.

Cornish started work as a miner in 1933, at the age of 14. He continued to work as a miner even after his painting career was established, until he retired as a miner and became a full-time artist in 1966.  He was a contemporary and friend of the artist L.S. Lowry.

Exhibitions of his work are being planned across places in County Durham in 2019, including Bishop Auckland, the Bowes Museum, Northumbria and Durham Universities and Spennymoor Town Hall Art Gallery.

However, it is hoped that a lasting memorial and legacy can be created. One that will educate children about the history and heritage of mining and art in the area and keep alive the memories for the older generations, and also bring in tourists to boost the local economy.

The Town Council have agreed to refurbish the Archway/Tunnel linking the High Street and Festival Walk to the car park at the rear of the Town Hall and also develop a ‘Norman Cornish Art Trail’ which will take residents and visitors from the Archway up to the top of Spennymoor and back around to the Town Hall through the shops.

This trail will see stands, depicting Norman Cornish art, placed around upper Spennymoor illustrating some of his most iconic pieces, at the places they depict.

In this regard the Council has appointed, as part of the Council’s larger ‘Open Spaces’ project, a company to design a new, innovative and creative archway linked to the heritage of the town, which will also link to the Cornish Art Trail/Walk.

I am delighted to invite you into the Town Hall Memorial Room/Civic Suite, for drop in sessions between 10am and 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm or 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday 26 September 2018 to view the designs for both the Archway and Trail.  

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions of Officers and Members.

We look forward to seeing you there.