An annual exhibition which showcases the work of artists from across Northumberland has opened at one of the county's most popular museums.
Museums Northumberland's Open Exhibition 2022: A Portrait of Northumberland began on Saturday February 19 at Woodhorn Museum, after artists were invited from across the county and beyond to submit works based on a chosen theme.
The exhibition was cancelled in 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but has now returned with a panel of judges selecting a winner, along with a small number of artists who have been highly commended.
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This year's winner is Ted Taylor, a former mechanical fitter from Ashington, who beat competition from 160 submitted artworks for his piece 'Remembered.'
Ted's painting depicted his father sitting on his favourite chair in his front room and was chosen as the winning entry by a panel of judges including portrait artist Leanne Price; Museums Northumberland Learning Manager Liz Ritson; and Narbi Price, winner of the Contemporary British Painting Prize.
Ted Taylor, overall winner of Open Exhibition 2022: A Portrait of Northumberland, said: "My work, ‘Remembered’, is a painting of my father who sadly passed away recently. The painting was started when he was alive, and then gradually completed some time later.
"In the picture my dad is looking at his Navy News magazines, contently reminiscing about his exploits as a sailor onboard the aircraft carriers where he helped to maintain the ships aeroplanes."
As well as Ted's entry, there were three highly commended artists: Luke McTaggart, a landscape painter from Amble; Gillian Lee Smith, and artist from Broomhill; and Marc Jeffrey, a graphic designer and amateur artist from Whitley Bay.
Narbi Price said: "All the judges were genuinely moved by Ted’s work. There’s a loving quality to the handling of the paint that really jumps out. It’s a very honest, direct and powerful painting."
Leanne Pearce said: "The quality of the work entered this year has been of a very high standard, which has made it extremely difficult to select the final works to display in the open exhibition. We had to pick an extra highly commended work this year because the submissions have been so impressive."
Rowan Brown, chief executive of Museums Northumberland, said: “We’re extremely proud to present the largest open exhibition in Northumberland, offering talented artists - both amateur and professional - the chance to display and sell their work, and showcase their artwork to new audiences.
“140 artworks will be displayed at Woodhorn Museum as part of this year’s Open Exhibition, with each one giving a unique perspective on the theme, A Portrait of Northumberland.”
Open Exhibition 2022: A Portrait of Northumberland opened at Woodhorn Museum on Saturday February 19 and runs until Sunday April 24.
