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Artists

Our Artists

Home to one of the largest public art collections for sale in the North East, the Bob Abley Art Gallery features an exciting and continuously evolving programme of work by over 50 talented artists. Across two floors, visitors can explore everything from celebrated local artists to internationally renowned names, making every visit a unique experience. Discover the artists currently exhibiting in the Gallery below.

• Alex MacDonald
• Alfie Joey
• Anthony Hall
• Anthony Marshall
• Bob Olley
• Callum Wilkinson
• Charles Evans
• Chris Cummings
• Debbie Mahaffey
• Derek Slater
• Fiona Carvell
• Gary Smith
• George Ormerod
• George Robson
• Gordon Marshall
• Helen Gowerek
• Ian Cruddas
• Ian Potts
• Janet Rogers
• Jayne Johnson
• Jayne Blacklock
• Jenny Ulyatt
• Jill Marshall
• Joanna Sim
• Joanne Mitchell
• Joe Hush
• John Banham
• Judy Mohebbyan
• Julie Macbean
• Karen Thompson
• Kevin Day
• Kit Saddington
• Larry Gurney
• Laura Brenchley
• Leonard Sweet
• Liam Haswell
• Lydia Le Brun
• Maria Blanc

• Nat Yates
• Newcastle Poster Company
• Norman Cornish
• Paul Green
• Pauline Alldis
• Peter Davidson
• Peter Francis
• Peter Hemming
• R J Watson
• Rachel Watson
• Rasa Zilinskaite
• Rock Brother
• Sam Wood
• Stephen Tearle
• Swin Tempest
• Tony Erskine
• Tony Hall
• Walter Holmes

Notable Artists

The Bob Abley Art Gallery is proud to showcase works by some of the North East's most celebrated artists and craftspeople, alongside nationally recognised names whose work reflects the rich cultural heritage of County Durham and the wider region.

Norman Cornish


Perhaps the most famous artist associated with Spennymoor, Norman Cornish (1919-2014) is recognised as one of Britain's greatest mining artists. His paintings vividly capture everyday life in Durham's mining communities, documenting the people, streets, pubs, and pit villages that shaped the region's identity. The Gallery is privileged to display and offer works by Cornish, as well as a recreation of his original studio, allowing visitors to gain a unique insight into the environment in which he created many of his most iconic paintings.
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Chris & Steve Rocks

Rocks 2
The work of The Rock Brothers has become highly sought after by collectors across the UK. Their distinctive style combines contemporary urban influences with traditional artistic techniques, creating bold and engaging pieces that appeal to both established art collectors and first-time buyers. Their growing reputation has made them a standout feature within the Gallery's contemporary collection.

Artists of the Spennymoor Settlement


The Gallery celebrates the remarkable legacy of the Spennymoor Settlement, a pioneering educational and cultural movement that nurtured generations of talented artists. Permanent works by Settlement artists form an important part of the Gallery's collection, including pieces by Tom McGuinness, George Robson, Jack Roach and John Smith.
The influence of the Settlement extends far beyond County Durham, having produced some of the most important artistic voices of the twentieth century. Through exhibitions, permanent displays and education programmes, the Gallery continues to preserve and promote this unique artistic heritage.

Robert Thompson "Mouseman"

Known affectionately as "The Mouseman", Robert Thompson of Kilburn became one of Britain's most respected furniture makers. His handcrafted oak furniture is admired throughout the world for its exceptional quality, traditional craftsmanship and distinctive carved mouse signature. Thompson's work represents the very finest examples of English Arts and Crafts furniture and remains highly collectible today.

Mouseman Furniture

The Gallery is delighted to feature examples of Robert Thompson's famous Mouseman furniture. Each piece is handmade using traditional techniques and bears the maker's iconic carved mouse, a symbol that has become recognised internationally. From tables and chairs to decorative pieces, Mouseman furniture combines practicality, beauty and craftsmanship, making it a lasting favourite with collectors and interior designers alike.
Together, these artists and makers represent the diversity, creativity and heritage that define the Bob Abley Art Gallery, offering visitors the opportunity to experience everything from internationally recognised masterpieces to exciting contemporary works from today's leading regional artists.
Image of the town hall, illustrated
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