THE rich heritage of the North East’s railways is the subject of a new art exhibition at Preston Park Museum.
The collection of paintings, ‘Hot Coals and Ash’ by Durham-based artist Steven Ward Fox, are inspired by the history of the railways and the artist’s childhood interest in steam engines and coal wagons.
Steven’s interest in railways began at an early age when he would visit his grandmother in Seaham.
The industrial location with its network of railways inspired him and later in life he developed detailed, artistic studies of steam engines, coal wagons, and people who worked on the railway.
Railway enthusiasts have described Steven’s paintings as evocative, with oil and steam from the engines seeming to emanate from the canvas, recreating the feeling of standing next to the real engines.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “Stockton and the wider North East region has a rich railway heritage which we are very proud of and keen to celebrate, so we are delighted to have Steven’s collection of paintings at Preston Park Museum. His wonderful pieces of art really capture the nature of the railways and their significance to our region. I would encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and see these striking original artworks.”
‘Hot Coals and Ash’ will be open during normal museum opening times until 31 October 2015.
During the course of the exhibition Steven will be at the museum to meet visitors and talk about his work. He will be at Preston Park Museum and Grounds from 10.30am until noon on Saturday 22 August and Friday 4 September.
Museum entry costs just £2.50 for adults, £1.50 for children and concessions and £5 for a family ticket. All tickets are valid for one year from date of issue. There is no additional charge for entry to the exhibition.
For further details visit www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk, contact John Beeley on 01642 528843 or email john.beeley@stockton.gov.uk
For more information on Preston Park Museum and Grounds, please visit www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk