Northumberland’s creative spirit can be found in a feast of galleries, craft-centres, and museums. If you find yourself in a stately home or a castle, be sure to check-out the centuries-old artistic masterpieces that don their walls.
Stately homes and castles house a treasure trove of masterpieces. Gaze at paintings by revered artists from Canaletto to Turner and a portrait of the 10th Earl of Northumberland by royal artist Van Dyke at
Alnwick Castle. A remarkable collection of Faberge, fine porcelain and jade forms part of the collection at
Bamburgh Castle.
Wallington Hall’s highlights include original William Morris wallpaper and the intriguing Cabinet of Curiosities packed with weird and wonderful curios from fossils and porcupine fish to Egyptian figures, narwhal tusks and kangaroo paws.
Shop for unique mementos of Northumberland or simply stop by to admire local artistic talent. There are original paintings capturing dramatic landscapes and features to browse, hand-crafted jewellery to dazzle and artesan Northumberland textiles to pick up and wrap around.
Look out for studios and galleries in unusual places - Allendale Forge Studios in a former garage, galleries and workshops; tucked into a converted 18th Century farm courtyard at Kirkharle and inside the first purpose-built army barracks since Roman times at Berwick Gymnasium Gallery. There are quirky, independent studios showcasing talented local artists dotted across the county and vibrant pop-up galleries appearing throughout the year in castles, stately homes and outdoor spaces.