A County Durham gallery that has provided a platform to hundreds of craftspeople and artists from across the region is celebrating its 25th birthday.

The Glass & Art Gallery in Consett, will mark the occasion with a weekend of special events starting at 2pm on Friday (September 6) with a visit by local author Yvonne Vincent, creator of the acclaimed book series 'The Losers Club'.

Founded by renowned stained glass artist Maralyn O’Keefe and her husband Ron in 1999, the National Tourist Attraction in an end-of-terrace house in the town's Medomsley Road has hosted over 300 local artists over the years.

They include well-known names such as Sheila Mackie, Bill Hindmarsh and Annette McKinnon and many more. Maralyn O'Keefe with one of the many works she has createdMaralyn O'Keefe with one of the many works she has created (Image: Gavin Engelbrecht)

The gallery also runs workshop and courses in stained glass throughout the year, with hundreds of people this year alone enjoying classes in fused glass and copper foil techniques.

The Glass & Art Gallery has been a fixture of Consett’s cultural scene for as long as it’s been open - especially during the winter when the shop established a reputation for transforming into a magical Christmas wonderland.

It attracts customers from every corner of the country and even some regular international visitors.

The business continues to be headed by Maralyn, working alongside her son Tim, who took over from Ron following his retirement.

Maralyn said: "It's been the most enjoyable and happiest 25 years ever. Meeting so many like-minded people - all the artists - and the many customers has been the best time of my life.

"We started (from scratch) in an end of terrace house and people said it would never work.Even our business adviser said they didn't think we were doing the right thing. 

"But we are still here after 25 years, after weathering everything including Covid."  

Their long-term staff include Bridget Hughes (who has been with the Gallery since it opened) Stephanie Winter and Alison Ford. 

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Maralyn won global plaudits for her work, with her creations installed worldwide, including many churches, schools and private commissions in the North East.

As part of the celebrations, including cake and coffee, Maralyn has created 25 unique works of glass art which will be raffled for members on the gallery's database.

A discount will also be offered on Friday (September 6) and Saturday (September 7).