Don’t miss the chance to see the Hatton Gallery before it changes forever

The Hatton Gallery on Newcastle University’s campus will be closing its doors in February 2016 to undergo a £3.5million redevelopment.

When the gallery reopens in 2017, it will be transformed into a vibrant and modern exhibition space bringing about a new era for art and learning in the city.

Gallery improvements will include conserving the architectural and historical elements of the building whilst modernising the gallery to allow for flexible exhibition facilities, a dedicated multi - purpose learning space, improved lighting, a new picture store and conservation and reinterpretation of Kurt Schwitters’ iconic Merz Barn Wall.

Julie Milne, Chief Curator of Art Galleries said:

“The Hatton Gallery has been at the forefront of the Newcastle arts and cultural scene since the 1920s. It has had a long and industrious past and has exhibited work by some of the most influential contemporary artists in Britain. The gallery is no longer fit for purpose and needs this redevelopment so that is can take its rightful place as a significant gallery of modern and contemporary art ‘’

Eric Cross, Dean of Cultural Affairs, Newcastle University said:

“For almost one hundred years, the Hatton has been a major cultural resource, important not only for the North East but also nationally and internationally. Its history is entwined with some of the most influential artists of the 20th century, so what better way to mark such a momentous milestone than by having the opportunity to experience some of the finest works in its collection?”

Throughout the closure period there will be a programme of events and activities at various locations around the city associated with the Hatton Gallery. These events will provide opportunities for the public to continue to engage with the Hatton and its collections during the closure period and to find out about progress of the development in the build up to the opening of the refurbished gallery.

The final exhibition Collections opens on 10 January 2016 and will feature work by Victor Pasmore, Richard Hamilton, Eduardo Paolozzi, Francis Bacon and Kurt Schwitters as well as works from the early Renaissance to the late twentieth century. The exhibition offers an in depth view of the full range of the Hatton Gallery’s collection, including some recent acquisitions and rarely seen works.

The gallery will close on 27 February 2016 and re-open September 2017.

This project has been made possible by generous funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Newcastle University, Arts Council England, J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust, Ridley Family Charity, Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, John Ellerman Foundation, Shears Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, Headley Trust and the Friends of the Hatton Gallery.