North East venues forge arts partnership

A North East cultural partnership is bringing contemporary art to a Northumberland visitor attraction as part of a new programme of exhibitions and events.

Wooler-based Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery has partnered with Newcastle’s The Biscuit Factory, marking the first time the independent gallery has taken its programme beyond its Ouseburn home.

From October, the £16 million Ad Gefrin attraction will host exhibitions, conversations and gatherings curated by The Biscuit Factory, bringing contemporary art together with the venue’s focus on heritage, traditional craft and Northumberland.

The partnership will begin with Modern Classics, which opens on October 23 and explores themes of light, atmosphere, the everyday and the elemental.

It will feature contemporary works rooted in traditional techniques from artists Paula Dunn, Angelo Murphy and Garry Courtnell.

Paula will also take part in an ‘In Conversation With’ event on the exhibition’s opening day, while a supper club and preview will be held on October 22.

Further previews and one-off events are planned for members of Ad Gefrin’s Corenkyn whisky membership programme during the partnership.

The collaboration builds on Ad Gefrin’s work with creatives and designers across the region.

Earlier this year, it commissioned North East artists Voirrey Taylor, Luke McTaggart and Sarah Calavera to produce artwork for three bottle designs forming part of its first Crǣft Series release of single-cask Northumbrian English single malt whisky.

Ad Gefrin is also launching an open call to commission local artists to create artwork for future releases in the series.

Eileen Ferguson, co-founder of Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery, said: “Whisky making is as much an art as it is a science, matured through craft and time.

“We recognise the many parallels with contemporary art practice.

“Joining with such a prestigious partner as The Biscuit Factory could not have come at a more exciting time, as we begin to release our Single Malt.

“On a personal level, I can say that The Biscuit Factory gallery has, for the last twenty-five years, been a firm favourite of the family.

“We are now truly honoured to be able to host partner exhibitions in our space in north Northumberland, and we hope to extend our joint hospitality to artists and art lovers alike in both Newcastle and Wooler for many years to come.”

Rachel Brown, general manager of The Biscuit Factory, added: “Although our disciplines are distinct, we have a mutual respect for material, process and artistry. An understanding that the most enduring work cannot be hurried.

“Whether in a studio or a distillery, each decision leaves its trace, shaped by experience, patience and the character of its surroundings.

“Taking the gallery out of the city allows us to provide rural access to contemporary art.

“The Biscuit Factory has worked for nearly 25 years in the pursuit of accessibility, providing a platform for thousands of artists and programming that encourages a broad range of visitors to our Ouseburn gallery.

“Having a base in Northumberland means we can provide more opportunities for our artists and a programme of cultural events to a wider regional audience.”

The RIBA award-winning Ad Gefrin combines an Anglo-Saxon museum with a working whisky distillery, alongside a bistro, bar and shop.

Its museum explores Northumberland’s seventh-century Anglo-Saxon history and the archaeological discoveries at Yeavering, recreating the Great Hall of the Royal Summer Palace of the region’s kings and queens.

The Biscuit Factory, meanwhile, was established in 2002 and operates from a Victorian warehouse in Newcastle’s Ouseburn cultural quarter.

The independent gallery represents more than 250 artists across disciplines including painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and jewellery, alongside running workshops, talks and other cultural events.

To learn more about the partnership and upcoming events at Ad Gefrin, click here.

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