Newcastle Exclusive Signed Limited Edition Prints

To celebrate the opening of our brand new Castle Fine Art Gallery on Grey Street, we are delighted to announce 4 brand new boutique limited edition prints from some of the North East's finest artists.

Alexander Millar, Keith Proctor and Craig Davison have very kindly completed some fantastic new images for us. Each image is only an edition of 50 and are available EXCLUSIVELY from us here in Newcastle.

We have two brand new images from Alexander Millar. The 'View From a Bridge' piece has been produced due to popular demand following on from his spectacular museum exhibition 'The Working Man'. This piece was first exhibited at the The Great North Museum: Hancock in 2010 and it has stayed in the hearts of everyone who saw it. Featuring the iconic Tyne Bridge, this piece would be a welcome addition to anyone's collection.

Following the success of the piece 'H'Way The Lads', Alex has kindly produced another brand new image for us which is aptly named 'Geordie Boys'. Again there will only be 50 of these produced and in a change to the 'H'Way The Lads' piece, all of these will be printed on canvas on board. If you missed out last time hurry up and give us a call!

Keith Proctor's beloved Jack is back, hand in hand with his Dad, skipping off to the match for his first ever game in the fantastic piece 'Going To The Match'. Here in the gallery we think that this piece would make a fantastic Christmas present - hey! it's not too long away now!

And last but not least, Craig Davison has painted up a storm again in this incredible interpretation of young Lambton and his worm! Whisht! lads, haad yor gobs, and get in touch with us to order your piece now!

We are incredibly honoured and proud to be able to offer to you these fantastic new 4 images, but if they weren't enough for you, all three of these artists along with Mr Jeff Rowland will be appearing in the gallery throughout September and October for a range of exclusive exhibitions. This will be the first time that Craig has ever done a gallery appearance so we have to be nice to him!

There is a limited amount of original art to accompany these pieces. For full details please contact the gallery.

For further details of all of these forthcoming shows, or to place an order for one of these fantastic new images, please feel free to call us on 0191 2332200 or email us on newcastle@castlegalleries.com

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Best Wishes,

The team at Newcastle

Sarah, Mandy, Laura and Andrew x

View From a Bridge

Signed Limited Edition Print by Alexander Millar

Edition of 50 canvas on board

Image Size 18" by 24"

£525 framed

Geordie Boys

Signed Limited Edition Print by Alexander Millar

Edition of 50 canvas on board

Image Size 24" by 18"

£525 framed

Going To The Match

Signed Limited Edition Print by Keith Proctor

Edition of 50 on paper

Image Size 14" by 14"

£299 framed

He'd Greet Big Teeth, Greet Big Gob & Greet Big Goggly Eyes

Signed Limited Edition Print by Craig Davison

Edition of 50 canvas on board

Image Size 24" by 15"

 

£399 framed

Pop Star Purchases Elephant

Andrea Corr MBE had 258 life-size painted, baby elephants to choose from in London’s biggest ever open air art exhibition this summer, but the pop star and charity fundraiser only had eyes for one. ‘Lover’ painted by Newcastle artist Jeff Rowland was the star of the Elephant Parade London 2010 as far as Ms Corr was concerned, as she bid a massive £26,000 at a star studded auction at Sotheby’s to secure the work of art. The remaining herd of elephants was sold via public auction online this month, raising a total of over £4million for the Elephant Family charity, which is dedicated to protecting and conserving the endangered elephants of Asia.

Newcastle’s ‘Rain Man’ artist, Jeff Rowland, who is well known for his cinematic art, painted an epic scene across the seated, life-size baby elephant. His painting depicted lovers meeting in a romantic 1940s railway station, with Rowland’s signature romantic rain falling over the elephant’s back.


Appropriately, Rowland’s elephant was displayed in Berkeley Square, London, during the parade, the location for the romantic song ‘A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square’; and it was the softer side of Rowland’s image that connected with big hearted Andrea Corr.

Jeff Rowland’s work, on more conventional canvas and paper, can be seen year round in Castle Galleries Newcastle thanks to a publishing deal with the UK’s leading fine art publishers – Washington Green Fine Art Publishing. In all, six of Washington Green artists painted life-size baby elephants to take part in the parade which helped contribute just under £100,000 to the £4 million total.
 

 
Congratulations to Jeff, the rather gorgeous Andrea Corr and The Elephant Parade London 2010 from all of us here at Castle Galleries Newcastle.
 
Anthony, Rachael, Sarah and Bethan.

Elephant Parade London 2010

The UK’s biggest ever outdoor art exhibition – The Elephant Parade - is currently in full swing in and around London with 258 brightly coloured life sized baby elephants adorning the streets of our capital city in aid of raising money to save the Asian Elephant from extinction in the wild.

Six of these wonderful elephants have been painted by our very own talented artists – Peter Smith, Louise Dear, Paul Kenton, John D Wilson, Alexander Millar & Jeff Rowland.

These elephants will be in 2 different locations from now until 3rd July 2010 for the public to see and enjoy so if you’re in London over the coming weeks why not go and say hello. You can also bid for any of these elephants and make them a permanent feature in your garden or house whilst helping a worthwhile cause.
To view all of our baby elephants or for further information on where to see them in person; or simply to see just how talented our artists are.  CLICK HERE

Alternatively work by these wonderful artists on canvas, rather than elephants, is available to view and buy from the gallery now.

The photo's of Jeff Rowland and his Elephant 'Lover' where taken here in our gallery in Newcastle.

What Elephant?

After nearly two weeks our elephant in the room is nearly finished. We will be sad to see not only our elephant leave but also Jeff Rowland whom has been our artist in residence. Jeff is one of a small number of Washington Green artists whom have been asked to paint an elephant for the 2010 Elephant Parade.

We will miss Jeff and his shoes (must be seen to be believed). Why not pop in over the next week to see our Elephant before she leaves us for London.

Alexander Millar and Jeff Rowland Collaboration Limited Edition Print

Last year we were proud to host a joint exhibition and appearance with Alexander Millar and Jeff Rowland two of our favourite and most popular artists. During the event both artists produced a stunning painting featuring one of Alex's Gadgies dancing in a rainy Jeff Rowland backdrop. Washington Green Fine Art Publishing loved the piece so much that they have produced it as a limited edition print 'Singin In The Rain'. A percentage of the proceeds are being donated the Renal ward at Birmingham Children's Hospice.

'Singin In the Rain' is available as a hand signed limited edition print on either canvas or paper with an edition size of 295

Please contact the gallery for further details on 0191 2332200

Alexander Millar Vs Jeff Rowland

From 1-4pm on Saturday the 19th of September the gallery came to a stand-still in awe of the creative talents of Alexander Millar & Jeff Rowland.

In honour of the first birthday of Castle Galleries, Newcastle the pair painted live in the gallery on a collaborative piece. The banter between the two entertained the crowd as the work of art came to life and proved a great success with collectors of each artist's work.

It has now to be decided if the piece will go to print but one thing is for sure, the juxtaposition of Millar's cheeky 'Gadgie' with that of Rowland's atmospheric rain created an undeniable and comfortable companionship.

The collection will run for the next week in Castle Galleries before the collaboration will be presented to Washington Green for proofing.

All enquires regarding Alexander Millar & Jeff Rowland originals should be directed to Castle Galleries, Newcastle in the first instance.

The Best Of Both

Take two of the most popular artists based in Newcastle and put them together to create a little piece of magic.

Coming Soon

Rowland Versus Millar

Jeff Rowland V Alexander Millar

September 2009

North East Exhibition

On February 21st 2009 we hosted an exhibition of north east artists featuring the work of Alexander Millar, Jeff Rowland, Mark Grieves and Mackenzie Thorpe.

From working class "Gadgies" and romantic cityscapes to images based around music and love these artists use the North East within their work both obviously and subtly drawing from their heritage to create an fusion of timelessness and evocation of nostalgia.

We had on display some fabulous works from all of the artists including original oils - "Serenade" and "Imagine" - both published works by Mark.

We have a number of new published limited editions new this spring from Alex, Jeff, Mark & Mackenzie. Check the website for information or call us on 0191 233 2200.

Meet Rowley!

Rowley was born on the 4th July 2008. Her mummy was found by Jeff Rowland near his old studio, she was pregnant at the time and Jeff just couldn't see her on the streets. He took her home and a week later three little kittens were born.

Eight weeks later Rowley came to join the Dorman/Montgomery household. We decided to call her Rowley in honour of Jeff, without him there would be no Rowley!

Much to existing cat Snuggle's dismay Rowley decided to keep us and 9 months later they are co-habiting almost peacefully which is progress from the five days spent on top of the fridge in a huff when she first turned up,

Thank you Jeff. x

A Brief Encounter with Jeff Rowland October 2008

On Saturday 4th October Jeff Rowland joined us in the gallery to kickstart his first nation wide tour. Unveiling his new collection in his home town proved to be the start of a massively successful UK tour.

True to the imagery of Jeff's work it rained all day but the gallery remained a cozy, ambient haven for onlookers walking past who decided to come in and join us.

One of the highlights of the show was the beautiful original 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' which has recently been published as 'Bridge to Your Heart' in Jeff's newest collection in 'A Love Story', on display in the gallery now (March 2009).

"I like to let the viewer of the painting make their own mind up about what is happening with the characters in the composition."

Jeff Rowland

Castle Galleries Grand Opening September 2008

On September 20th 2008 Alexander Millar officially opened the new Castle Galleries in Newcastle city centre.

There was standing room only as collectors old and new queued to meet the man who depicts North Eastern nostalgia with such flare.

The day began with a leisurely champagne brunch at Alex's regular haunt 'Blakes', where he can often be found sitting sketching away the day. As the gallery began to fill up our collectors feasted on ham & peese pudding stotties, homemade meat and potato pie and washed it down with Newcastle Brown Ale as Alex's model Peter, dressed in full 'Gadgie get-up' gave everyone a demonstration of 'Gadgie' poses. Alex arrived to find a queue of people eagrely awaiting his arrival, including our very own Jeff Rowland who had also come out to support his friend for the day.

A beautiful selection of Alex's artwork adorned the walls, limited editions and sculptures alongside original pieces depicting his various styles; from small sketches of his lone character to large detailed oils of the North East from eras gone by.

The 'Gadgie' character often accompanied by his 'Gal', grandchild or ever loyal wee dog has become a nostalgic image that many are reluctant to let go of. Generations that remember days like these have passed their love and memories down through Alex's artwork to family and friends and now a new generation of collector has emerged.

So it was that the gallery burst at the seams with people of every age, clamouring for a word with Alex but also eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners of our Art Competition in conjunction with St Thomas More RC High School, thus highlighting the importance of Art in school and inspiring the next generation of artists.

The day was a massive success, one we hope to repeate next year for our one year anniversary.

Art in Schools, July 2008.

HAVING just opened the doors to the general public (on Thursday 31 July, 2008), the brand new Castle Galleries Newcastle in Monument Mall has shown its commitment to creating a new generation of artists in the region with the launch of a major children’s art competition.
The competition has been launched in conjunction with St Thomas Moore RE High School (North Shields) to encourage the children in each year group to discover and appreciate the joy of painting and art. The initiative, which is the brainchild of Castle Galleries Newcastle, has received the personal backing of three of Newcastle’s most outstanding artists – including celebrity artist Alexander Millar, Mark Grieves and Jeff Rowland – all of whom are showcased in the new gallery in Monument Mall.
Millar, Grieves and Rowland visited St Thomas Moore before the end of term, to tell the pupils about their lives and careers as professional artists and inspire as many children as possible to take part in the art competition with their live painting demonstrations. The three artists will judge the entries at the beginning of September and a winner from each year group will be announced on Saturday 20 September at Castle Galleries Newcastle (between 12-3pm).
The overall winner will be presented with a fabulous selection of art materials by TV artist Alexander Millar, whilst the winner of each year group will have their work professionally framed by Castle Galleries and the art will go on display to the public in the gallery from 20 September.
Self-taught artist Alexander Millar started working as a window cleaner before discovering his natural talent for painting. His infamous Newcastle ‘Gadgie’ originals are now fetching five figure sums amongst his growing legion of fans. He said: “There’s a whole world out there to explore and record as an artist and Castle Galleries wants to inspire and ignite children to pick up a pencil, crayon or paint brush and discover the joy of art. Not everyone can be a doctor or a lawyer and it’s great for children to know that if you practice long and hard enough, you can earn a good living as a successful artist and, most importantly, do something that you truly love doing.”

Cited from 'Whats On NE' August 4th 2008.

New Castle Galleries, July 08.

New Castle Galleries for Newcastle showcases region’s finest contemporary artists
THE UK’s most successful group of retail art galleries, Castle Galleries, has chosen Newcastle to open its flagship gallery, which will showcase the finest UK contemporary artists including the most outstanding talent in the North East.
Castle Galleries Newcastle (located in the prestigious Blackett Street side of Monument Mall, overlooking Grey’s Monument) will specialise in high quality, limited edition art and originals and will open in the heart of a city that has witnessed an arts and cultural renaissance, on Thursday 31st July.
The flagship gallery, which is the 27th in the dynamic group of Castle Galleries, will build its success on exhibiting high quality, cutting edge and regional talent, but in a trendy, accessible environment that will make art appealing to a whole new generation of the general public.
Some of the biggest regional names to provide an approachable bridge into the gallery will include celebrity artist Alexander Millar, Mark Grieves and Jeff Rowland. Alexander Millar’s famous Newcastle ‘Gadgies’ have established his reputation on the international stage and his rise from window cleaner to top artist saw him head up an ‘Apprentice-style’ search for an up-and-coming painter on BBC Look North last Autumn. Mark Grieves has created a big sensation with his highly original and brilliantly constructed, detailed studies of the piano keyboard, which dance to life with reflective light and his trademark ebony and ivory characters. Jeff Rowland, meanwhile, is the king of romance in the rain, with the meeting of a lone couple in a deserted street creating a cinematic drama to his popular work. Commenting on the opening of Castle Galleries Newcastle, gallery manager Anthony Dorman said: “With Newcastle already housing priceless art in our city centre art galleries and mass produced art and pop art in the multiple stores, Castle Galleries is filling an exciting gap in the art scene in Newcastle. A piece of research into the general public’s attitudes towards contemporary art last year, showed that over 30 per cent of people wouldn’t know where to start looking for art, with 13 per cent claiming to be ‘intimidated’ when it comes to buying art. Castle Galleries Newcastle has created a fun vibe that breaks down the traditional barriers and stigma associated with some high end galleries, whilst providing customers with a really high quality choice of contemporary, limited edition art from some of our greatest living artists.”
The owners of the successful Castle Galleries concept, Washington Green Fine Art Publishing, have chosen Newcastle to roll out its new cutting edge contemporary interior for the gallery, with stunning black and white schemes off-set by slate and oak floors.
Castle Galleries Newcastle will provide a warm welcome to its customers, with a free prize draw to win a stunning signed limited edition Alexander Millar print. All visitors have to do is pop into the gallery, fill in their contact details and post their entry into the free prize draw. The winner will be personally presented with their signed piece of art in the gallery by Alexander Millar this Autumn.

Cited from 'Whats OnNE' July 08th, 2008.

The first Delivery - July 08

Making use of the empty space beside the gallery whilst final touches were made, we assessed our fabulous artwork. Planning our opening exhibition was very exciting, we looked at our artist's work with fresh eyes, imagining where we would hang pieces and place sculpture. We were anxious to be in and get going, little did we know the final push would be upon us sooner than we thought.

The Gallery Comes to Life - July 08.

After a number of months in pre-planning the gallery was finally taking shape. Panic stations manned ready for the final preparations for opening: the walls were covered the floor laid, the desk and wiring done. As the final touches were put to the shell that would become our day-time home we began checking off the list of things needed to bring this gallery to life: Computer, lights, storage, sofa, plinths, coffee machine. It was finally coming together.