News-Exhibition shines a light on County Durham artists of all ages

Bishop Auckland Town Hall's annual Open Art Exhibition showcases a wide range of mediums and subjects including paintings, photography, textiles, jewellery, and sculptures selected by a panel of artists and curators.

This year's exhibition saw an unprecedented number of applications with 269 pieces of work by 125 different artists now on display in the gallery until Saturday 15 February.

This includes three works by illustrator, author and publisher of children's picture books, Stuart Trotter, from Ferryhill. Stuart's journey as an illustrator began in 1978, and over the years he has worked with many of the major UK publishers on well-known projects such as Postman Pat, Wallace and Gromit, Kipper, Noddy and Winnie the Pooh.

Keeping Rupert's legacy alive

For the past 17 years, he has written and illustrated The Rupert Annual, a task that is particularly meaningful given Rupert Bear's rich history. Older than Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, Rupert Bear has been a beloved figure for more than 124 years, never going out of print.

The three images on show evoke a sense of nostalgia in those who grew up with Rupert, many of whom may have learned to read through his adventures in the 1950s. They also introduce this iconic character to a new generation of readers who may not yet be familiar with him and highlight that Rupert Bear's ongoing legacy is created right here in County Durham.

Showcasing young artists

For the second year, the art of eleven young artists from County Durham, aged from 11 to 18, are also on display in the venue's Young Open Art exhibition.

Callum Wilkinson, from Chilton, has three of his fused-glass pieces displayed.

Having recently started his Artist in Residency at Durham Sixth Form Centre, Callum's practice consists of layering multiple pieces of glass to create imagery or patterns. He then places the glass in a kiln which fires it to high temperatures of more than 800 degrees Celsius, before allowing it to cool at a steady and controlled rate.

Callum's pieces can take up to 26 hours, although his bowls and plates can take up to 50 hours as they need a second firing to slump the glass in a mould.

Excites and inspires

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "The standard of applications for this year's Open Art Exhibition was incredibly high, which demonstrates the wealth of talent that exists in County Durham. There's a great deal of variety too and the result is an exhibition that excites and inspires.

"We are delighted to include work by Stuart whose illustrations have brought so much joy to so many children and secured County Durham a place in the Rupert Bear story.

"It's also a great pleasure to showcase the creative talents of Callum and the other young artists featured. As the Culture County, we are committed to nurturing young talent and providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work."