Introducing the gallery...
Former Interim Gallery Manager, John Thompson, explains the gallery’s affinity with the great Norman Cornish, its importance to Spennymoor’s social history and how it promotes the ground-breaking work of pioneering local artists.
Within the gallery there is a large collection of original works for sale and prints by Norman Cornish, many of which never displayed seen before. Also on display is his original studio, depicting how and where he painted, painstakingly re-created from his Spennymoor home.
The Gallery is privileged to host permanent works by artists involved in the Spennymoor Settlement. This collection of work includes artists like Tom McGuiness, George Robson, Jack Roach and John Smith.
The Gallery has recently opened its new Maker Space as apart of the Council's ongoing investment in the arts and culture. The space is available to all, regardless of age and artistic experience, with free access to equipment and materials. This space also supports the gallery's artist-in-residence program, providing visiting artists with resources and space to develop new projects while engaging with the public.
The Gallery is always seeking work from new, exciting artists, as well as people looking to sell their own art. Visit our New Artists page to find out more.
We are always looking for new volunteers, as visitor numbers increase. They show visitors around, talk about each artist and explain their work and inspirations. Visit our Volunteers page to find out more.
For further information, contact:
01388 815276 or email: info@spennymoor-tc.gov.uk
Chris and Steve Rocks
The twin brothers are among the most exciting and sought after contemporary artists working in Europe.
Local to Spennymoor, Chris and Steve Rocks have a few pieces of their work on permanent display in the Bob Abley Gallery, which is proud to showcase these vibrant local talents.
Winners of the Fine Art Trade Guild’s Best New Artist award, the brother are almost a unique entity in the art world – their closeness and understanding of each other means they work collaboratively on their art, painting on each other’s work with spectacular impact.
Their art draw from and is inspired by the overwhelming power of nature and explores the effects of light on land, sky and water, which has enabled them to create some truly breath-taking works.
