Passionate about the arts? Visit our extensive Fine and Decorative Art Collections
Our museums have many examples of fine and decorative art, including nationally and internationally famous pieces.
We’re proud to celebrate creativity from past masters such as Degas alongside contemporary artists such as Narbi Price, winner of the Contemporary British Painting Prize 2017.
We are pleased to care for two major art collections – drawing in thousands of visitors each year:
- Discover the world-renowned Ashington Group Collection on permanent display at Woodhorn Museum. Created by the Ashington Group, also known as the ‘Pitmen Painters’, it is reputed to be the first collection of amateur art to go on permanent display anywhere in the world!
- Why not also explore our Berwick Burrell Collection too? A stunning array of art gifted to the town which is thought to be the most generous civic donation ever made in Europe.
Our collections are always changing, bringing our visitors fresh exhibits and some of the most exciting art around from both well-known established artists and the best locally-grown talent.
With hundreds of pieces to engage your senses, our artworks include oil paintings, watercolours, pastels and more.
Take a trip to Woodhorn, home to the Ashington Group Collection, unique works showing Northumberland’s colourful mining communities. The artists provided the inspiration for Lee Hall’s famous play, ‘The Pitman Painters’ and show a way of life which has disappeared from modern Northumberland.
The Berwick Burrell Collection at Berwick Museum and Art Gallery is made up of over 300 pieces by artists such as Degas, Boudin and Northumberland’s very own Joseph Crawhall. It also includes numerous pieces of East Asian decorative art, including Ming vases and Japanese and Korean artworks.
Whether you’re an art lover or novice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Please note that not all of the collections in the care of Museums Northumberland are on public display. If you’d like to see an object in the collections please get in touch with us using the online enquiry form.