Norman Cornish exhibition to open at Cockermouth gallery

Castlegate House Gallery in Cockermouth will present 'Norman Cornish: A Self Portrait of a Thought' from November 9 until November 30.

The exhibition will explore the work of one of the most well-known chroniclers of the English working class in the 20th century.

Norman Cornish, renowned for his honest depictions of day-to-day life of the working class around Spennymoor, County Durham, during the 1960s and 70s, will have his selected works featured from the artist's estate.

The exhibition takes its name from Cornish's words in a 1960s television interview.

He said: "Any picture is a self-portrait of a thought.

"The artist feels something sincerely and deeply, or at least he ought to, otherwise he shouldn’t paint it at all."

These words shed light on Cornish's approach to art as more than just documentation.

His works are imbued with his experiences, thoughts, and relationships within his community.

The artist was born in Spennymoor, County Durham, and his art is inspired by his experiences (Image: Supplied) Whether it is the quiet companionship at The Newcastle Bar, a walk down Pit Road, or home life moments with his daughter Ann, Cornish's paintings offer insight into his values and the genuine connections he shared with his subjects.

Alongside the artworks, the exhibition will feature excerpts from Cornish's autobiography, 'Cornish, a Slice of Life' (1989).

These words serve to illuminate the experiences behind each piece, allowing visitors to view his art as both a reflection of the lives he depicted and an extension of his own thoughts, aspirations, and artistic journey.

Gallery director and co-owner, Steve Swallow, said: "We see what Norman sees, what Norman wants us to see, and what Norman has been shaped by.

"This collection is not just a chronicle of Spennymoor—it’s a testament to the artist’s relationship with it and all around it and him.

"Norman’s profound understanding of his subjects goes beyond sentimentality, inviting viewers into the very essence of his perspective and beliefs."

The gallery, owned and operated by Mr Swallow and his wife Christine since 2012, aims to bring the best of 20th-century modern British art to the north while supporting new and emerging talents.

It has been recognised by The Times as one of the ten must-see commercial galleries in 2021.

Norman Cornish MBE (1919-2014) is celebrated as one of the last century's most renowned mining painters.

Born in Spennymoor, County Durham, he began working in the pits at a young age, but his passion for painting soon led him to join the Settlement, later known as The Pitman's Academy, at the age of 15.

He exhibited with his peers at the Laing Gallery and held his first exhibition in 1959 at the Stone Gallery, Newcastle, alongside artists like LS Lowry and Sheila Fell.

He was the subject of a 1963 TV documentary by a young Melvyn Bragg.

In 1966, Cornish left his work as a pitman to become a full-time artist.

Living within the mining community provided him with endless inspiration for his paintings, which serve as a record of the life of a northern mining community at work and at leisure.

His work is highly sought after across the UK and internationally.

Mr Cornish died on August 1, 2014, at the age of 94.

The exhibition will open with a reception from 12pm to 2pm on November 9.