A newly discovered self-portrait of one of the North East’s most famous artists is set to be unveiled at a new exhibition. The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, will soon launch the Kith and Kinship: Norman Cornish and LS Lowry exhibition . Set to run from July 20 to January 19, the major exhibition is set to feature more than 50 paintings drawings and sketches by Spennymoor-born mining artist Norman Cornish and LS Lowry, one of Britain's most popular artists.
Norman Cornish's 'Bar Scene', which had the newly discovered self-portrait on the reverse (Image: Claire Collinson Photography 2024) It will also feature a newly discovered and never-before-seen Cornish self-portrait, which will be unveiled as part of the media preview by John Cornish, the artist’s son. This exciting new discovery was uncovered during conservation work to Cornish’s painting Bar Scene, and The Bowes Museum’s Conservator Jon Old, described its discovery as “magical”. Although it is not yet known where this painting fits in the wider chronology of the artist’s works, it has now become the 29th known self-portrait by Cornish and will be proudly displayed facing the other self-portraits in the exhibition.
The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham Both artists shared a strong love of the north - and the exhibition will feature a powerful range of work showcasing traditional and familiar industrial scenes often associated with the area. It will provide a “unique insight into a wider, and.
