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Living in Burnhope, a small County Durham mining village, until 18 years old, I grew up with the nature, and history of this area, including stories concerning Aidan, Cuthbert, and  nature, from a very early age. I loved it, and still do.

The resonance of nature’s patterns within all life and creation is a prime importance for me, as is the link to mathematic and scientific truths - everything depends upon the small details which create the larger truth. 

I went to Art College in Manchester, then to St. Martin's School of Art, London, resulting in a BA (hons.,)) Fine Art, back to Manchester University for a PGCE.

When invited to teach Art in New Zealand, I exhibited regularly for 3 years.

Upon returning home to Durham, I taught in secondary art education (Head of Department) whilst exhibiting regularly, until leaving that profession to concentrate on my painting career to the present day.

Until recently my working year was divided between Britain and France, now I am based permanently in  England.

 

Exhibition venues include:

 

Rothmans Cultural Foundation, New Zealand

DLI Museum and Art Gallery

The Bowes Museum 

Manchester John Rylands Library

Durham Cathedral

Durham World Heritage Visitor Centre

Durham University

St. Yrieix la Perche, Haute Vienne, France

 

Public Commissions include:

St. Bedes Catholic School and Sixth Form centre, Lanchester

Dedication vellum page for a presentation book presented to Prince Charles at Auckland Castle.

Durham Cathedral "Pilgrimage" (Open Treasure)

Durham University-

The College of St. Hild and St. Bede- "The Hild Vellum" 

The St. Cuthbert's Society- "The St. Cuthbert Vellum" 

Lanchester parish church (Triptych)

 

Work is held in the permanent collections of various establishments including:

The Bowes Museum

Durham University

Durham Cathedral,

Eldon Chartered Financial Planning (free-standing vellum on medieval oak)

Private international collections, including - 

Britain, France, The Netherlands, North America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia 

 

Recent commissions include producing a triptych for a church, and a residency with a secondary school (VI form) to produce a Carpet Page Vellum for Auckland Castle. I have also had the privilege and pleasure of leading workshop sessions for the Northumbrian Scribes, North Yorkshire Scribes and local art societies.

 

Bowes Museum solo exhibition, ’Gateway to Eternity’, September 2019 - 12th September 2020.

 

Currently I am working towards an exhibition in Horsham Museum and Art Gallery, West Sussex, which will feature new vellums, including a Carpet Page and watercolours.

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