Experience rarely seen and often overlooked works by two of the greatest Northern artists of the 20^th century, Norman Cornish and L S Lowry.

This powerful exhibition celebrates the region’s distinctive industry, emotive landscapes and playful recreation activities, with a narrative that brings to life the relevance of these pieces today and how they resonate with a sense of place, hope and aspiration.

One of the many highlights includes a newly discovered self-portrait of Norman Cornish, which was uncovered at the Museum during conservation work ahead of the landmark show opening.

This is a fascinating display by two extraordinary storytellers of everyday life in the north, seen through different perspectives.

It features 35 rarely seen or previously unseen works among the more than 50 paintings, drawings and sketches on display.  The newly found self portrait is now on show on a special plinth which is rotated once a day at 2.30pm, allowing visitors the chance to see both sides of the painting the right way up.

You can also see well known works by both artists including L.S. Lowry’s The Procession 1927, Lancashire Fair and A Cricket Match as well as Norman Cornish’s The Gossips, Miners on a Pit Road and The Busy Bar 1976.

John Cornish, Norman’s son, said:

“This is an extraordinary exhibition, never before has my father’s work been shown in such a scale alongside his contemporary and regular acquaintance LS Lowry in such a superb setting. The stories behind each artwork have been woven across the exhibition wonderfully, offering visitors another perspective on both the artists and their subjects. I really encourage you to come and see it.”

There are examples of some of the works you can see in the gallery below, as well as a list of associated talks that you might enjoy.   The Bowes Museum was loaned works for the exhibition from national institutions and renowned galleries including: Tate, Tate Britain, Government Art Collection, Durham County Council, The Lowry, Gallery Oldham, Museums Sheffield, York Museums Trust (York Art Gallery), Downing College, Laing Art Gallery, Northumbria University, National Museum of Wales (National Museum of Cardiff on loan from Derek Williams Trust) and Keele University Art Collection.

People are already flocking to see the exhibition, so why not plan your visit now?  In addition to this long awaited show, you can explore the Museum’s 22 galleries packed full of incredible artist, makers and designers work from across the world spanning 7 centuries of creativity.

*The shop is stocked with a wide range of books about Norman Cornish’s life and work published by his family plus a range of L.S. Lowry literature and jigsaws.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!