South Shields Museum & Art Gallery reveals new exhibition

The new exhibition, opening on Saturday 11 November 2023, celebrates the artistic achievements of Vincent Rea (1936-2023), a local artist and gallery-owner who was best-known for transforming a disused Cold War bunker in Springwell Park, Jarrow, into the highly-regarded Bede Gallery. 

The Gallery, run by Rea with his wife Willa from 1970 until 1996, actively supported local and regional artists with displays of their work, and brought exhibitions of well-known national and international artists, including Picasso, Matisse and Hockney, to the people of Jarrow.  The couple also had a deep interest in Jarrow’s history and a section of the Bede Gallery was dedicated to images and objects presenting the heritage of the town. But Rea was driven by his own creativity, as well as the general desire to promote and make art accessible.  

Throughout his life he produced works in a wide variety of media.  This new exhibition brings a selection of these works from the Museum collection together on display for the first time, and includes abstract artworks and ceramics. 

Geoff Woodward, Manager at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, said: “Rea was such an important cultural figure in Jarrow and was nationally recognised. He left a great legacy, not least in his engaging artworks, many of them inspired by the history of his hometown. We’re delighted to be showcasing his artistic talent in this new exhibition.” The Art of Vince Rea: opens to the public at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 11 November 2023, running until 13 April 2024. Entry is free; however, donations are greatly appreciated. 

“Drawing, painting and sculpture deepen our awareness of life, they imbue the world around us with added meaning and give us a sense of ourselves in time and history.” Vince Rea