Exciting new developments at the Shipley

Henry Rothschild at the Shipley Art Gallery

The Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead will unveil two exciting new developments to the public in February 2010. Work is nearing completion on the Henry Rothschild Study Centre and the Shipley Lounge, a new breakout area for visitors.

The Shipley Lounge will give families an opportunity to take a break from the galleries and enjoy hot and cold drinks. With a play area and high chair provided, the Lounge will provide the ideal environment for young children to have fun whilst the grown ups relax!
 
The Henry Rothschild Study Centre will enable the Gallery to present a superb collection of 20th century ceramics amassed by Henry Rothschild (1913 - 2009), founder of the shop Primavera. The collection includes work by leading ceramicists working in Britain and internationally since the 1950s.
 
Amy Barker, curator of the Shipley Art Gallery says:
 
"The Henry Rothschild Study Centre is the culmination of a long relationship between Henry Rothschild and the Shipley Art Gallery, that began in 1994 with loans and gifts to the Gallery. Henry was attracted to the Shipley's commitment to encouraging public engagement through contemporary craft and design."
 
The new study centre will allow Henry Rothschild's collection to be viewed en masse for the first time. It will include a database with more information about the collector, the objects and the makers and a reference library of books on studio ceramics donated by Henry Rothschild.
 
Amy Barker says:
 
"The Shipley is now home to over 330 pieces collected by Henry Rothschild., The new Study Centre is a testament to his passion for ceramics and his zest and enthusiasm for discovering outstanding works made by highly skilled craftspeople. We expect that enthusiasts will travel to the Shipley to see this fabulous collection and we look forward to welcoming them.”
 
The Study Centre will ensure that this nationally significant collection remains intact and available for future generations and will build on the Gallery's reputation as a leading centre for art, craft and design.
 
Leader of Gateshead Council Mick Henry said:
 
"I'm really excited about this collection and the new developments. I think it's further evidence of Gateshead's ever growing reputation for art and I’m sure that it will further cement the Shipley's position at the forefront of contemporary craft and design, as well as being yet another boost to tourism in the region."
 
The Shipley Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 2pm to 5pm and bank holiday Mondays. Admission is free.