Newly discovered Norman Cornish self portrait to be unveiled

The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, will soon launch the Kith and Kinship: Norman Cornish and LS Lowry exhibition. 

Set to run from July 20 to January 19, the major exhibition is set to feature more than 50 paintings drawings and sketches by Spennymoor-born mining artist Norman Cornish and LS Lowry, one of Britain's most popular artists.

Norman Cornish's 'Bar Scene', which had the newly discovered self-portrait on the reverse (Image: Claire Collinson Photography 2024)

It will also feature a newly discovered and never-before-seen Cornish self-portrait, which will be unveiled as part of the media preview by John Cornish, the artist’s son.

This exciting new discovery was uncovered during conservation work to Cornish’s painting Bar Scene, and The Bowes Museum’s Conservator Jon Old, described its discovery as “magical”.

Although it is not yet known where this painting fits in the wider chronology of the artist’s works, it has now become the 29th known self-portrait by Cornish and will be proudly displayed facing the other self-portraits in the exhibition.

The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham

Both artists shared a strong love of the north - and the exhibition will feature a powerful range of work showcasing traditional and familiar industrial scenes often associated with the area. 

It will provide a “unique insight into a wider, and different, story of the north” - including the everyday warmth, connection and community often borne from adversity and the challenges of harsh industrialisation. 

It also promises to take visitors on a journey from ‘meeting’ both artists to seeing their perceptions of the different environments they encountered. 

South Shields Pier, by Norman Cornish

The artworks also span different themes, from community and working life to the role of women.  

Vicky Sturrs, Director of Programmes and Collections at The Bowes Museum said: ‘Both Cornish and Lowry were extraordinary storytellers of their time – recording and depicting the lives of the people in their communities as well as the North East’s familiar landscapes in scenes that we can all relate to. 

“Many of the works in this exhibition have an incredibly visceral feel – you can almost feel the warmth of the home, smell the chip van and hear the laughter.

“Visitors will be greeted by self-portraits from each artist – including the newly discovered Cornish self-portrait – alongside a pencil drawing of the majestic Stone Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne, where the two artists exhibited together for over 15 years.

LS Lowry by Norman Cornish, a sketch that appeared in The Northern Echo in 1964

“This really sets the scene for ‘Kith and Kinship’, showing the long relationship they shared. Cornish and Lowry had a beautiful way of capturing everyday scenes associated with the north, but our exhibition will also showcase a different side of the region that is perhaps unexpected, which we hope visitors will really enjoy.”

Hannah Fox, Executive Director of The Bowes Museum, added: “Cornish and Lowry capture life and its nuances in a way that everyone can understand and connect with. 

“Making art accessible is hugely important, and we hope that by displaying over 50 works showing all walks of life, different landscapes and celebrating the ordinary and the extraordinary, will not only capture the imagination of our visitors but also show how everyone can get involved with art and creativity. 

“We will also have a dedicated space within the exhibition for visitors to share what kith and kinship means to them, which will give a fascinating insight into the wider community.

“Local artists and makers have also brought their own perspectives to the exhibition by creating an engaging accompanying booklet which will be available in autumn and will sit alongside some of the works on display. 

“Alongside the exhibition interpretation, this booklet will show how the universal themes that Cornish and Lowry capture will not just resonate with those from the north, but with a much wider audience too. 

“This connection with the local community is fundamental as The Bowes Museum continues to grow and become a hub for all artists and makers in the region and beyond.”

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, said: ‘We are delighted that whilst undergoing conservation work the painting ‘Bar Scene’, which we have loaned to The Bowes Museum, has revealed this remarkable new self-portrait. 

“It makes a fantastic addition to the wonderful body of work that Norman Cornish is known for. We’re very much looking forward to it being enjoyed by the public, and to continuing our work with the Museum and other partners as we cement our place as ‘The Culture County’.

“In doing so, we seek to build on two momentous years in which visitor spend has climbed to record levels in excess of £1billion.”