Legacy — 50 Years of Painting in the Tees Valley
The Auxiliary, Middlesbrough, 2019
In 2019 I was invited to exhibit in Legacy — 50 Years of Painting in the Tees Valley, held at The Auxiliary in Middlesbrough as part of Conversations in Painting: Fiesta MK2.
The exhibition brought together the work of thirty painters connected to the region, spanning half a century of practice. Established figures such as Basil Beattie and William Tillyer were shown alongside emerging and mid-career artists, including many alumni of The Northern School of Art.
The show traced a lineage — not stylistically, but relationally. It acknowledged the ways painters in the Tees Valley have taught, mentored, supported and influenced one another across generations. Well-known and emerging practices were placed side-by-side, emphasising a shared commitment to painting as an evolving and intergenerational conversation.
For me, being included felt significant. Having studied in the region, it was meaningful to be part of an exhibition that recognised both heritage and continuity — the ongoing development of painting practice within a specific place.
The exhibition was part of a wider, multi-venue celebration of painting across Middlesbrough, with related events and conversations exploring the history and future of painting in the area.
Artists
Basil Beattie / Bobby Benjamin / Emma Bennett / Raymond Bentley / Hannah Campion / Tony Charles / Rachael Clewlow / Joe Cole / Sarah Cooney / Deb Covell / Gordon Dalton / Jeremy Diggle / Richard Forster / Phil Gatenby / Jonny Green / Aly Helyer / Peter Hicks / Kelly Jayne /Brendan Lancaster / Laura Lancaster / Rachel Lancaster / Wendy Okey / John James Perangie / Ben Platt / Theresa Poulton / Narbi Price / Gerda Roper / Martin Smith / William Tillyer / Tom Wall
Exhibition Details
Conversations in Painting are delighted to present LEGACY - 50 years of Painting in the Tees Valley. The exhibition brings together the work of 30 artists and will tell a story of painting in Tees Valley spanning 50 years, tracing a lineage of painters who have influenced and supported each other in various ways. Established and emerging practices will sit side by side to acknowledge the impact and importance of painters who have taught, mentored and championed each other marking a continuum of knowledge sharing, generosity and trust across generations.
You can read more here