A delightful twist emerged during preparations for a new exhibition at the Bowes Museum. Curators stumbled upon a hidden gem – a previously unseen self-portrait by the celebrated northern artist, Norman Cornish.
The discovery unfolded while conservator Jon Old examined “Bar Scene,” a known Cornish work. A peculiar backing panel on the stretcher piqued Old’s curiosity. Removing it unveiled a “wonderful other painting on the reverse,” a captivating self-portrait by Cornish himself!
“It was quite magical,” Old remarked, feeling privileged to be the first person to witness the artwork in decades.
This exciting find underscores the significance of art conservation. Vicky Sturrs, the museum’s director, highlighted how conservation goes beyond preserving objects; it’s about uncovering hidden stories. She playfully noted that colleagues might be hovering around Old more often now!
The exhibition, titled “Kith and Kinship,” will showcase both the newly discovered self-portrait and “Bar Scene,” with one displayed upside down at times. The self-portrait, though a youthful work, exudes a raw power with its bold brushstrokes.
This exhibition brings together over 50 works by Cornish and his artistic counterpart, L.S. Lowry. While both documented working-class life in the north, their approaches differed. Lowry, a middle-class rent collector, offered an outsider’s perspective, while Cornish, a former miner himself, painted the experiences of his own community.
The exhibition aims to challenge the perception of Cornish solely as a painter of working-class men and domestic scenes. Works like “Crucifixion” (1960), a powerful watercolor depicting a crucified miner, showcase the depth of his social commentary. Another painting, a tender portrait of his wife, Sarah, peeling a potato, is considered a “pitman’s Madonna” by his family.
The curators hope this exhibition will elevate Cornish’s stature and spark a conversation about his artistic merit. While Lowry enjoys greater recognition, Cornish’s work resonates deeply within the north-east, and it’s time for the wider art world to take notice. “Kith and Kinship” aims to ensure that everyone gets to know Norman Cornish.
