New artwork goes on display in East Durham hospital as tribute to visionary artist John Wilson McCracken
A new exhibit of paintings celebrating the life and work of a renowned local artist have gone on display at a community hospital.
A display of replica paintings of John Wilson McCracken has been created at Peterlee Community Hospital as tribute to the visionary artist.
The exhibition is a collaboration between hospital managers at University Hospitals Tees and Hartlepool Art Gallery.
Thanks to the support of an Art Fund Reimagine grant, it features high-quality reproductions of McCracken’s original artworks
The paintings will be on display for patients and public to view during normal operating hours at Peterlee Community Hospital.
Born in Belfast, McCracken studied at the prestigious Slade School of Art, where he won a notable award for his artistic excellence.
In 1959 he settled in Peterlee, teaching at West Hartlepool College of Art and became a curator at the Gray Art Gallery and Museum.
He was instrumental in bringing major exhibitions to the town, including Lucian Freud’s first solo show outside London.
The new exhibition offers hospital patients, visitors, and staff a chance to engage with McCracken’s work which was deeply influenced by Peterlee and its residents.
Angela Thomas, senior art and museum curator at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “It’s an honour to bring McCracken’s work back to Peterlee, the place he called home.
"His art reflects the strength and spirit of the North East, and we’re proud to be able share it with the community.”
McCracken lived with mental health challenges and the paintings on display have been curated in collaboration with members of Andy’s Man Club.
The arts in hospitals initiative is part of the University Hospital Tees Arts Council’s mission to enhance health and wellbeing through art, working with local partners to create restorative and inspiring spaces.
Jean MacLeod, chair of the Arts Council, added: “We are very happy to be collaborating with the Hartlepool Art Gallery and being able to share art with our staff and all those who visit Peterlee Community Hospital, particularly with such strong links between the artist and the local community.
“Art can provide a solace and a distraction, which we recognise is beneficial for patients, alongside our clinical care.
"It’s important we provide a positive environment where that care is delivered and this exhibition helps in those aims.”