Laing launches new campaign
Julie Milne, curator of the Laing, with The Bard by John Martin
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The Laing Art Gallery has launched a new fundraising campaign to secure the loan of several important paintings by the locally-born 19th century artist John Martin, from art galleries in the United States.
If secured, the paintings would form part of the Gallery’s forthcoming exhibition of works by John Martin, which will be the first major exhibition of the artist’s paintings for more than 30 years.
The exhibition in 2011 promises to be the most comprehensive display of his art seen in modern times and will feature works from the Laing’s collection, masterpieces from Tate Britain and important loans from galleries in the UK and abroad.
The John Martin Circle is a membership scheme for private donors who share a passionate interest in the work of John Martin and all the funds raised will help to secure the loan of important artworks, currently on show in the United States.
Julie Milne, curator of the Laing Art Gallery, explains:
“These paintings from the United States which we hope to show at the Laing, as part of our new exhibition, include a particularly fine version of Belshazzar’s Feast (1820) from the Yale Centre for British Art.
“None of these pictures have been seen in the North East before and I would dearly like to feature them in the exhibition. However we need to raise £15,000 to secure them for the Laing which is why we asking people to help by joining The John Martin Circle.
“We hope that the exhibition will be enjoyed by many thousands of visitors when it is on show in the region next year.”
The John Martin Circle will be launched on 19 July by author Dr Barbara C. Morden whose new book about the artist will be published in the autumn.
Dr Morden says:
“John Martin is the North East’s most important artist and deserves to be recognised nationally and internationally, not least for the way his vision anticipated and shaped our own global media-driven culture. The forthcoming exhibition will be a landmark event and it’s fitting that this major survey of his work should be launched in his ‘native country’.
“The John Martin Circle will enable local and national art lovers and enthusiasts, students and scholars to come together to celebrate his achievements and contribute to the exhibition’s success.”
Members of the John Martin Circle will each receive a limited edition copy of Dr Morden’s new book and have their names included on a special Roll of Honour that will be displayed during the exhibition.
For more information about the benefits of membership and how to join the John Martin Circle, contact Martin Williams, principal development and trading manager, at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on (0191) 277 2172 or by email on johnmartincircle@twmuseums.org.uk
A selection of John Martin’s paintings including The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (1852), The Bard (1817) and Clytie (1814) can be seen on permanent display at the Laing Art Gallery.