A school building will be the venue for an art exhibition next month.

Following the success of a similar venture last year, La Sagesse High School, in Jesmond, Newcastle, is hosting an exhibition in The Towers.

Since it was built at the beginning of the 19th Century, the listed building set in 12 acres of grounds has housed local dignitaries and magnates, such as Thomas Burdon, Lord Mayor of Newcastle, and Sir Charles Mitchell, the Tyneside industrialist.

It was Sir Charles who added the Assembly Hall, where the exhibition is being held, to house his own art collection.

The Towers has noteworthy mosaic, stained glass and woodwork, and its assembly hall and library contain wood carvings by Ralph Hedley, whose work can also be seen in St George's Church, Jesmond.

One of the artists participating in the exhibition, Tony Montague, has depicted the carvings in framed prints and greetings cards, which will be on sale.

A school spokesman said: "The range and variety of artists contributing to the exhibition is impressive.

"The subject matter is eclectic and includes Mary Ann Rogers' quirky animals and birds through to Walter Holmes' superb figurative pieces."

The exhibition, featuring about 20 artists, will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7.

Children's art workshops, which will run on both afternoons, can be booked by ringing 0191-281 3474.