Rare prints and unseen paintings by a celebrated County Durham artist will be on display in a new exhibition that pays tribute to his life and work.

Opening today (Saturday, November 23) at Darlington’s Gallerina, Tom McGuinness: To Remain in Light showcases his iconic images of mining life that defined his 60-year artistic career. These images will feature alongside his sketchbooks, etchings, lithographs, and paintings.

The exhibition coincides with the launch of The McGuinness Gallery, a permanent space dedicated to the Witton Park artist’s work at Gallerina. It will also spotlight new and emerging artists, a legacy that Tom himself would have embraced.

Backshift, one of the works be celebrated artist Tom McGuinness, which will be in the exhibition at Gallerina, in DarlingtonBackshift, one of the works be celebrated artist Tom McGuinness, which will be in the exhibition at Gallerina, in Darlington (Image: GALLERINA)

Tom enjoyed a close relationship with Gallerina’s owner Richard Hindle and his sister, Helen, and the show marks the beginning of the McGuinness family sharing Tom’s work in partnership with the gallery.

Corinne Aspel, Tom’s daughter, said: “My dad had a quiet pride in his work, but he didn’t like being in the spotlight too much; he wasn’t commercially minded. He had a really special relationship with Richard, who understood the value of my dad’s work. He wasn’t pushy and has a lovely way about him and so the pair of them were a good fit.”

She added “He was also very encouraging of other people and would have been very happy to know that the new gallery space in his name will be dedicated to showing the work of emerging artists. He was always keen to help the next generation.”

Richard Hindle, Gallerina’s owner, with Tom McGuinness’s daughter, Corinne AspelRichard Hindle, Gallerina’s owner, with Tom McGuinness’s daughter, Corinne Aspel (Image: GALLERINA)

Tom McGuinness, who died in 2006 aged 79, spent 36 years working underground in Durham’s coal mines. His vivid depictions of mining life captured camaraderie, resilience, and the community spirit of the North East.

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Gallerina owner Mr Hindle, said: “For many of us above ground, his working life was unimaginable. But Tom would visit darkness and return with light; his work filled with colour, camaraderie and happy memories.”

Young Tom in his loft space studio, Bishop AucklandYoung Tom in his loft space studio, Bishop Auckland (Image: GALLERINA)

He added: “It was such a privilege to work with, and alongside, Tom, and to know him, and since his sad passing, that privilege and trust has continued with Tom’s family. We’re extremely grateful to them for allowing us to showcase his work and dedicate our new space to him.”

Tom McGuinness: To Remain in Light runs from November 23 into the New Year at Gallerina, Victoria Road, Darlington. Visit www.gallerina.co.uk for details.

Self portrait by Tom McGuinness, whose work is being exhibited in Gallerina, DarlingtonSelf portrait by Tom McGuinness, whose work is being exhibited in Gallerina, Darlington (Image: GALLERINA)