British Landscape masterpieces by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough and Richard Wilson are among the works of art on display in a new exhibition which opened at Auckland Castle this week.
After its winter hiatus The Auckland Project is open again with a new events programme bringing together art, history and music at its historic site in the heart of Bishop Auckland.
The new exhibition, Nature and the ideal: Pioneers of British Landscape, is on display at the Bishop Trevor Gallery at Auckland Castle, highlighting a collection of 18th century landscapes and eye-catching compositions. The exhibition runs from now until 23 June.
Meanwhile, this Sunday in the Spanish Gallery (on 17 March), The Sound of Spain will echo through the gallery’s walls with live music performed on the Spanish guitar, for added ambience and theatre.
And the music theme continues with a special one-off performance by Royal Northern Sinfonia in the grand Throne Room at Auckland Castle on Saturday 30th March. Johannes Brahms romantic music sits at the heart of the performance, with a short interlude from Strauss’ opera Capriccio.
Chief executive officer, Edward Perry said: “The Auckland Project is committed to the local area and bringing County Durham residents closer to historic art and important relics, with those in our membership scheme the first to hear about our exciting updates, especially as interest builds in Bishop Auckland and the North East more generally.”
For 2024, The Auckland Project has extended the catchment area for its discounted Unlimited Pass.
Visitors purchasing the pass living in the postcodes DL4, DL5, DL13, DL14, DL15, DL16 and DL17 will receive 20% off the normal price, making it £24 for adults and £12 for children (5-16 years).
The Unlimited Pass gives full access to The Auckland Project’s attractions which tell the remarkable story of Bishop Auckland, from the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham to the town’s surprising connection to the Golden Age of Spanish Art.
Visitors can use the pass to explore Auckland Castle, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery and the recently opened Faith Museum, along with its extensive gardens and deer park.
For more information on The Auckland Project, including opening times to book event tickets or buy an Unlimited Pass, visit aucklandproject.org and follow the relevant links.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
