REFURBISHMENT OF THE TOWN HALL ARCHWAY AND CREATION OF A CORNISH ART TRAIL – COME AND SEE THE EXCITING PLANS

 At the Town Show on Saturday, the Council held a consultation with the public to discuss the proposals for a project to refurbish the archway at the Town Hall which will become the start of phase 2 of the project – a Cornish art Trail.

2019 sees the centenary of the birth of Norman Cornish, world renowned artist, who was born in Spennymoor. A former miner, he was known for his pictures of mining and community life in and around the pit villages in Durham.

Cornish started work as a miner in 1933, at the age of 14. He continued to work as a miner even after his painting career was established, until he retired as a miner and became a full-time artist in 1966.  He was a contemporary and friend of the artist L.S. Lowry.

Exhibitions of Cornish work are being planned across places in County Durham in 2019, including Bishop Auckland, the Bowes Museum, Northumbria and Durham Universities and Spennymoor Town Hall Art Gallery.  However, it is hoped that a lasting memorial and legacy can be created.  One that will educate children about the history and heritage of mining and art in the area and keep alive the memories for the older generations, and also bring in tourists to boost the local economy and that this legacy will be in Spennymoor.

And this is where the Archway and the Trail come in.  Starting in the Archway the Trail will provide a route around the top end of Spennymoor, with between 10 and 15 pieces of art on display along the Trail.  The Trail will then finish back at the Town Hall, having taken visitors through Jubilee Park and the shops and will promote the Bob Abley Art Gallery and the Durham Mining Museum.

It is hoped that this project will be the catalyst for future regeneration in Spennymoor with art, culture and heritage used as a theme to link all of the green and open spaces across the area.

So apologies for the short notice, but there is a first opportunity to see a presentation from the company that has come up with the proposals for the project,  at the Council meeting at 6.45pm on Tuesday 4^th September in the Council Chamber.  You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and comment. 

 Don’t worry, this item is first up for discussion and if you wish to leave straight afterwards you are able to do so.  But if you want to stay and watch the rest of the meeting you are more than welcome to.