In a celebration of local artists and community spirit, Pineapple Gallery has been crowned the Best Contemporary Art Gallery in County Durham for 2023, writes Yvonne Hawkey.
Nestled on North Bondgate, opposite the main car park in Bishop Auckland, this unassuming gem, under the passionate curation of art enthusiast Tom Gibbons, has notched up two prestigious awards in the last three years.
Bishop Auckland’s rich history is entwined with the exotic pineapple, and now finds a contemporary representation in the Pineapple Gallery.
In the 18th Century, Bishop Trevor’s green-fingered endeavours saw pineapples cultivated in hothouses within Auckland Castle’s walled garden, a legacy that now lives on through the lens of the Auckland Project.
Born in Venezuela and raised in Stockton on Tees, Tom is from a very artistic family.
Growing up, he was surrounded by extremely talented musicians and artists.
His brother Jack is a famous pianist now residing in America, who once performed a piano recital in Auckland Castle.
His mother, Brenda Watson, was an arts and crafts trained 1950’s textile designer who was listed in Who’s Who In Art and exhibited at the 1951 Exhibition of Britain. Her 1950’s prints and textiles are about to make a resurgence with Tom presenting her designs anew to the market (orders of her wallpaper fabrics can be made at the gallery).
Tom has transformed the gallery, formerly a butchers and ice cream parlour, into a haven for original contemporary fine art.
With its stripped-back original features, the gallery is not just a space; it’s a tribute to artistry and heritage.
Artists, many hailing from the Royal Academy of Arts, including the likes of Florencia Troisi, coexist with local talents like Alistair Brookes, whose work draws from the mining culture and industrial landscapes of County Durham.
“There are only a few artists like Alistair Brookes left,” Tom said, “and I’m worried once they’ve gone, the whole mining culture will be lost. “This is a slice of industrial history that we cannot let disappear, so we need to preserve these cultural narratives through art.”
Jackie Stonehouse, a County Durham-based visual artist, contributes to the gallery’s diverse offerings with her contemporary canvases that burst with colour and energy.
Her collaboration with Tom underscores the Pineapple Gallery’s role as a hub for the local art community.
“My ethos is to make artists more appreciated,” Tom said, “and I’m also trying to get my mother’s designs back into the world.
“I like to maintain a standard at Pineapple Gallery, so artists are happy to be exhibited next to one another, and for me, it’s the biggest privilege sitting amongst this wonderful art from these beautiful people.”
So, the next time you find yourself in Bishop Auckland, why not venture into this cheerful space, meet Tom Gibbons, and witness the unsung talent behind the spotlight, tirelessly championing the brilliance of local artists.
Yvonne Hawkey is a freelance PR consultant who has recently returned home to the north, after living and working in London for many years. She specialises in working with small businesses and creative brands. Contact her at yvonne[@]hawkeypr[.]co[.]uk if you need any help or advice.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
