More artists join rush to save hall
Oct 3 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
THE number of artists who are donating original works to save Seaton Delaval Hall has now reached the 100 mark with paintings, ceramics, sculptures, glass works, textiles and even a wooden Newcastle United shirt up for grabs.
They will be auctioned for the Seaton Delaval appeal on Sunday at the Art Works Galleries on Stepney Bank, Ouseburn, Newcastle.
The doors open at 6pm and the sale, conducted by John Anderson of Newcastle auctioneers Anderson & Garland, starts at 7pm.
The event is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds towards the £6.3m which must be found by Christmas to allow the National Trust to acquire the 18th Century Northumberland hall for the public.
Among the artists contributing is 74-year-old Derek Stafford, who is giving one of his paintings of Bamburgh Castle. He and his wife Louise were married in 1955 at the Church of Our Lady, which is adjacent to the hall. Dennis, who now lives in Alnwick but is originally from Blyth, said: “The hall is a fabulous place and is part of where I grew up, and because of the connections I wanted to offer something.”
The art auction snowballed from artist Elaine Page’s decision to donate one of her works to the appeal.
Elaine, who lives in Heaton, Newcastle, said yesterday: “The way all of the artists have taken this forward has been absolutely amazing. Their generosity has taken my breath away and I hope the public respond in the same way. Organising the event has been like something of a war effort, with so many people giving so freely of their time and I just hope the public respond.”
Artist Charles Evans will give painting demonstrations at the Stepney Bank galleries on Sunday from 1-3pm, and nearby Italian restaurant La Gabbia is laying on a meal for him.
Canapes for the auction are also being donated by Morrisons supermarket chain.
A catalogue for the sale, with guide prices from £20 to £2,500, can be downloaded from The Journal’s Seaton Delaval Hall website.
The Art Works Galleries can be contacted on (0191) 261-9922.
