Collections

A summary of our collections

The Gallery houses an outstanding collection of contemporary craft and decorative art (together making up the design collections), oil paintings, watercolours and local Gateshead history.  Not all these collections can be shown at any one time.  Over the past 25 years the venue has become established as a national centre for contemporary craft and has built up one of the best collections outside London - this includes ceramics, wood, metal, glass, textiles and furniture.  In 1998 the fine art and craft collections were designated as being of national importance.

The Henry Rothschild Collection of studio ceramics is currently being prepared for a new home in the Henry Rothschild Study Centre, opening at the Shipley later this year. A small number of works remain on display in the Designs for Life gallery.