Industry News

A painting which has hung in Durham’s County Hall for decades has found a new home.

The Building of Durham Cathedral has been carefully removed by Durham County Council’s collections team and transferred to Ushaw Historic House, Chapel & Gardens, where it is now on display.

The seven-metre-wide painting depicts Durham Cathedral as it was being constructed in the 11^th Century. The artwork was created by renowned North East-based artist Thomas William Pattison, whose works also appear at the Laing Art Gallery.

One of Pattison’s other works, a portrait of Hannah Rushford, the first female Mayor of Durham, is on display at Durham Town Hall.

Members of the public may recognise The Building of Durham Cathedral from visits to County Hall, due to its prominent position above the doors leading into the foyer of the council chamber.

While not much is known about the origins of the painting, it is believed to have been acquired by the council in 1968.

Following a delicate removal process, the painting received a specialised conservation clean before being transported to Ushaw, where it is now on display in the Main House.

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “As part of the decommissioning of County Hall, we are in the process of carefully reviewing the collections that remain in the building and finding new homes where they can be preserved.

“The Building of Durham Cathedral depicts one of the most significant moments in Durham’s history. For almost 60 years, the painting has watched over as councillors, officers, and members of the public have entered the council chamber to make decisions which have shaped County Durham. We’re delighted to work with Ushaw in finding a new home for this painting, where it will continue to be enjoyed by the public.”

Andrew Heard, visitor programmes manager at Ushaw, said: “We're thrilled to be able to display this magnificent and monumental painting at Ushaw. We are sure that visitors will appreciate the opportunity to see this striking realisation of one of the most important events in Durham's history.”

The painting has been given a new home as the council works towards closing County Hall by this July. The building is to be demolished to pave the way for development at Aykley Heads, potentially creating thousands of quality jobs, as part of the emerging Durham Innovation District.