ART lovers will today be able to see the new face of a leading gallery celebrating its centenary.

The Laing Art Gallery, in Higham Place, Newcastle, reopens its doors after undergoing a major refurbishment that has taken six months to complete.

To mark the event it is displaying masterpieces from the National Gallery in London.

The exhibition features 27 portrait paintings by artists including Rembrandt, Goya, Renoir, Warhol and Opie.

Curator Julie Milne said: "We are delighted to be reopening the Laing following a major refurbishment and with such a stunning exhibition.

"Making Faces features paintings by some of the world's greatest artists and we are pleased to be bringing this exhibition to the region.

"The Laing has undergone its biggest refurbishment since it opened in 1904, and it is fitting in its centenary year that the building has had a facelift and is looking better than ever.

"Not only will we be reopening with Making Faces, but also three other exhibitions, a new gallery to display our internationally important watercolours and improved visitor facilities."

Charles Saumarez Smith, director of the National Gallery, said: "It is a particular pleasure for the National Gallery to be taking part in the Laing Art Gallery's centenary year celebrations with the showing of Making Faces."

The £430,000 refurbishment has seen the gallery repainted, the floors sanded and stonework cleaned, and the reinstallation of an original stained glass window.

The gallery is open Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 5pm, and Sundays, 2pm to 5pm. Admission is free.

Published: 17/04/2004