Mystery portrait prompts public appeal

A County Durham art gallery is calling on the public to help solve an artistic mystery as part of a retrospective exhibition celebrating a renowned local artist.

The Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland has launched an appeal to identify an unknown man featured in a 1963 charcoal portrait by miner-artist Tom McGuinness. 

The work, titled Portrait of an Unknown Man, is on display as part of Out of the Darkness, an exhibition marking the centenary of McGuinness’ birth.

Running throughout 2026, the retrospective showcases more than 50 years of the artist’s work, from paintings and sketches to etchings and lithographs. 

Known for capturing the realities of life underground, McGuinness drew on decades of experience in the mines to create expressive depictions of working life.

Born in Witton Park, he began mining in 1944 as a Bevin Boy and later developed his artistic style through local education and community initiatives. 

His distinctive work often features distorted figures shaped by the mining environment.

The mystery portrait – originally labelled Cathy’s Dad – dates from an early stage in his career and was initially believed to depict McGuinness’ father-in-law, before this was ruled out when the artist’s daughter – Corinne Aspel – reviewed the piece while working with the gallery.

Corinne said: “When I saw the drawing, I knew straight away it wasn’t my grandad. 

“There are clear differences – particularly in the shape of his nose. 

“It just didn’t match. 

“It makes you wonder who he really was, and whether someone out there might recognise him.”

Now part of The Auckland Project, the gallery is inviting local communities to help uncover the sitter’s identity, adding a new dimension to the exhibition.

Corinne added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to see a broad range of dad’s work, including personal family pieces and a true celebration of his life and incredible talent.”

Anne Sutherland, mining art and industrial heritage curator at The Auckland Project, added: “Tom McGuinness had a remarkable ability to capture character and personality in his portraits. 

“This drawing is no exception, but we don’t yet know the story behind the man in the picture. 

“Given Tom’s strong ties to this area, we believe there’s a good chance he was someone from the local community. 

“We’d love to hear from anyone who thinks they might recognise him.”

She added: “This exhibition celebrates a man whose work captures the emotional truth of mining life as Tom interpreted what it felt like to be a miner. 

“His art remains a powerful reminder of the resilience and identity of mining communities across the North East.”

Anyone who may recognise the man in the portrait is encouraged to contact The Auckland Project at enquiries@aucklandproject.org.

Tickets for Tom McGuinness: Out of the Darkness, running until December 2026, are available here.

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