Art Galleries in Teesside – Art is Alive and Thriving in Teesside
Since I was young, art has played a significant role in my life. I devote a lot of my time to creating abstract paintings. I also write and read extensively about abstract art.
For no apparent reason, I recently created a goal for myself. That is to learn more about art-related activities in our local community, starting with art galleries in Teesside.
Teesside is a stunning region with a rich history of heavy industry. Unknown to so many people, Teesside gave the world so many amazing inventions. But sadly, the area receives poor ratings in several aspects.
To me, it is a home sweet home.
“Teesside, the place I call home” is a lovely article by Damion.
Where is Teesside?
Teesside is nearly 250 miles from London in the north east of England. Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Billingham and Redcar make up the region, which is centred on the River Tees. Teesside Borough was founded in 1968. However, in 1974 it was divided into many boroughs.
In the past, the Teesside region was well known for its heavy industry. This included the production of iron and steel, coal mining, shipbuilding, engineering and chemicals.
“This remarkable place, the youngest child of England’s enterprise, is an infant, but if an infant, an infant Hercules.” The words of William Gladstone (four-time prime minister of Great Britain from 1868-1894) when he visited Middlesbrough in 1862.
Many industrial sectors experienced declines or even disappeared throughout time. The downfall of such industries was caused by several factors.
- Strikes occurred often during the 1970s in many different industrial sectors in the UK.
- From the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s, the UK economy was in bad shape. The economic downturn and deindustrialisation created a huge challenge for the country. As a result, Teesside suffered more than most other areas. Several heavy industrial sectors closed, resulting in significant increases in unemployment and poverty in Teesside.
- Less economically developed countries began to develop their industries with significantly lower production and labour costs, posing significant competition to the Teesside industry.
- Lack of investment, poor or inadequate management and outdated working practices are further causes.
Things are different now and have been changing over the past several years. The region has been attracting a lot of investment and development, thanks to its long history of engineering, manufacturing and established infrastructure.
Tangible progress and substantial developments have already been made. Several sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare and life sciences as well as professional business services are experiencing significant growth and a high increase in demand.
It may take some time to reverse that bad reputation but, together, we will continue to work on it.
On the global map, Teesside might not be a well-known location. And I’m sure that a lot of people around the world are unaware of some of the incredible contributions Teesside has made to the world.
Here are just a few examples:
- The first public steam railway line in the world. The Stockton to Darlington railway, 25 miles (40 km) long opened on 27 September 1825.
- The Tees/Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge is the longest transporter bridge of its kind still in existence. It was built in 1910.
- Captain James Cook mapped the east coast of Australia in 1770, claimed it for Great Britain and called it New South Wales.
- John Walker, a Stockton resident, invented the first friction (safety) match in the world in 1826.
- Sydney Harbour Bridge (often referred to as “the Coathanger”) was built in Middlesbrough. Construction of the bridge began in 1924 and the bridge opened in 1932.
- ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries) in Stockton created the acrylic safety glass, Perspex, in 1936. (Perspex is derived from the Latin word “perspicere” – to see through).
What is the Role of Art Galleries
Art galleries can provide greater insight into a community’s history, present and projected future. Visiting art galleries is entertaining, inspiring and educational for all ages.
Through public events and workshops, art galleries help to build bridges, bringing people and communities together.
Modern technology is undoubtedly re-shaping museums and art galleries. Curators are beginning to think outside the box and develop new approaches to facilitate ways of interaction and learning.
Virtual museum tours, digital presentations and online downloads are just a few examples of the technology that is becoming available to anyone and everyone.
Art galleries have a significant positive impact on local, national and global economies. Similar to museums, art galleries generate substantial economic benefits in such areas as employment, attracting investments, tourism and regeneration.
And let’s not forget that art galleries are among the main instruments that can bring us the works of various local, national and international artists. An opportunity for the general public to view, learn, appreciate and enjoy the artwork while also supporting art and artists.
These are just a few examples of the significant role and financial advantages that art galleries play in local economies.
Art Galleries and the Impact of COVID
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world forever in several aspects. The pandemic has re-shaped the market for the art world and accelerated the adoption of online technology in 2020.
Museums and art galleries all across the world grew largely reliant on digital exhibits and online virtual tours during the lockdown and travel restrictions in 2020.
However, the lockdown and travel restrictions opened up new opportunities for art lovers. More of us are now visiting museums and art galleries online from the comfort of our armchairs. For example, the Courtauld Gallery’s virtual tour received 723% more visitors to its website in March 2020 during the first national lockdown.
The online art market expanded further in 2021. According to the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2022, global art market sales reached about $65.1 billion (£53 billion). A 29% increase over 2020 and well above pre-pandemic 2019 sales. Digital sales continue to grow and it looks like the digital art market technology is here to stay.
Innovations are born of necessity.
The Auxiliary Art Gallery
During my recent search for art galleries in Teesside, I came across a beautifully written article about The Auxiliary art gallery in Middlesbrough.
“We are bold” – a beautiful inspiring story of the achievement of Anna and Liam.
I like visiting museums and art galleries. It is always great fun, interesting and inspiring. In addition to the artworks on show, museums and art galleries offer fantastic opportunities to share and expand knowledge and experience.
The Auxiliary is currently hosting a new exhibition – Work in Progress, a group photography exhibition curated by WAX – opening from 24th June to 22nd July.
And I couldn’t miss being there on the opening evening. This was my first visit to The Auxiliary.
Large, impressive gallery space with white walls. In the middle of the space, there was a rectangular scaffolding structure. Inside it, a TV screen showed different images of photos and a narrow seat in front of the TV screen for people to sit and watch the slide show.
Also on display, there were several beautiful photos from various national and international photographers. Annabel Fitzsimons (UK), Alice Affre (Belgium), Jim Brook (UK), David Egan (USA) and Christine McFetridge (Australia), just to name a few.
There were different sizes of photos. Some were very large. I think some of the photos measured over 5-6 ft. wide x 6-7 ft. high.
Most of the large photos were printed on separate A4 sheets (I guess) and carefully glued next to each other. It must have taken a great deal of work and attention to detail to place each print on the white walls.
We all like to take photos of almost anything and everything. Mobile phones make it so simple and easy. We take photos simply because they make us feel something.
The photos displayed at The Auxiliary may look simple and easy; “anybody could do that”. I heard that phrase many times about my abstract paintings!
I’m sure those photos are far from being simple or easy. They are works of art.
I learned an important lesson from my previous photography experience. The photos that appear simple and easy, maybe the most difficult to capture. Because the skill in photography is really in evoking an emotional response. This is not an easy job.
To appreciate the inner beauty of any work of art, you have to allow yourself plenty of time to view the artwork. This is the main concept behind ‘The Slow Look’ (also known as The Slow Art Movement).
I have mentioned the Slow Look in greater detail in a few of my blog posts, for example, How Can I Learn to Actually See Abstract Art, and Painting Your Feelings.
Take your time when you visit museums and art galleries. And take your time when looking at a photo or a painting. Allow yourself time to connect with it. And that is the mistake I made. I didn’t spend enough time viewing the artworks at The Auxiliary. I should have gone alone. Please don’t tell the wife I said that!
Several photos on display were in black and white (my favourite colours). Beautiful contrasting colours that hold deep and amazing meanings. Black and white artwork could create a more powerful emotional response, for one simple reason. There are fewer colours to distract our attention.
I never consider a piece of black and white artwork to contain only two colours. Look closer and you will see several shades of black and several shades of white. They are not just black and white.
The black and white photos brought back so many happy memories from when I was really into photography.
Many years ago, photography was a great passion and a major part of my life. I almost made it into a professional career. But I was still searching for more artistic freedom of expression, which I discovered in non-representational abstract painting.
Enough about me. Let’s go back to The Auxiliary.
I met Anna, who took me on a tour of the enormous building’s gallery space and several art studios. The 11,000 sq. ft. building is located on Station Road in Middlesbrough.
It was a brilliant tour and I felt great and happy that art is alive and thriving in Teesside.
I later met Liam and we talked a lot about the gallery activities and forthcoming events. Among several other activities, Liam explained all about The Middlesbrough Art Weekender. It is one of the largest annual contemporary arts festivals in the North East. It is scheduled to run from 22nd to 25th September.
The annual event strives to showcase, promote and support arts activities and creative practices on Teesside. The event will also highlight Middlesbrough’s heritage and industrial power in iron and steel, shipbuilding, engineering and chemicals. A great art festival for all ages.
The BBC published a great article about Middlesbrough’s history that is definitely worth reading.
The opening evening at The Auxiliary was a brilliant event, full of positive energy and even the weather was perfect. Almost two weeks of sunny days with highs of +30oC in the South of England and +25°C here on Teesside, in the North East.
We Brits like to talk about the weather, always, whatever the weather. Check out this BBC report “Why do Brits talk about the weather so much?”
Above all, meeting other art supporters and enthusiasts was a highlight of the opening. Meeting with like-minded people can be extremely enriching and exciting. And that was the case during my visit to The Auxiliary.
Note: I have no affiliation with The Auxiliary, Anna or Liam. It is merely supporting local art on Teesside.
Art is Alive and Thriving in Teesside
Although I’m aware of numerous art events taking place in various locations throughout Teesside, until recently, I didn’t really realise in more depth how many arts and cultural activities are available locally.
There are several museums and art galleries in Teesside. Numerous local organisations support and fund arts and cultural activities.
Local art exhibitions and shows are regular events throughout the year. I should venture out more to discover and learn about the art world here on Teesside.
From my initial brief search, the arts and culture industry in Teesside generates a substantial turnover for the region’s economy. Several reports issued by Arts Council England provide greater and in-depth information about the important role, economic values and social well-being of arts and culture in the region.
The more I look into these reports, the clearer it becomes how directly art affects our quality of life and prosperity.
I’m happy to assume that art is alive and thriving in Teesside without diving into too many economic and statistical specifics. However, there is still a lot to be done to further support our local artists and art activities.
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17 July 2022 @ 5:40 pm
Interesting article! It’s great to know the history of Teeside; I didn’t expect all these details.
And also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my lovely artist uncle! ?????
17 July 2022 @ 11:07 pm
Thank you so much Nilly. It is my birthday and I almost forgot about it. It’s just another day in the life of an artist!
As for Teesside, it has a wealth of history and heritage particularly in heavy industrial sectors. The entire region has been going through complete economical and industrial transformation for over 4 decades. Some tangible success has been achieved in some sectors, but other sectors have not been as successful.
More developments are still in progress.
Although Teesside is known for its heavy industrial heritage, it is actually surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside areas in the UK.
3 August 2022 @ 3:04 pm
Great article Suhail. some fantastic imagery too!
thanks for linking back to my blog. Teesside really is a great place.
Keep up the good work!
Damion
6 August 2022 @ 3:52 pm
Thank you Damion. Yes, Teesside is a great place and we need more and more Teessiders to talk about the positive side of the area.