For those of you who havent read the Q & A in the local 'Living magazine about Tom McGuinness here it is...
Tell us about the new McGuinness Gallery space.
Since Gallerina’s early days some 26 years ago, we have championed ‘our champion’ Tom McGuinness. It has long been an ambition of ours, and Tom’s family, to have a dedicated space within, and alongside, what Gallerina does. The space will showcase and create access to this important man and his life’s work. It will show throughout each year an ever-changing exhibition of Tom’s talent across all media – works on paper, canvas and even the odd wardrobe door! The room, a darkened space, will house Tom’s studio easel, his workstation, brushes, palette and paints. Examples of his art will be lit and hung in an ever-changing cascade, supported by plan chests bursting with examples of this non commercially minded man’s work. We will also be using the space to launch and showcase new talent from our region.
Are these works for sale?
They will sometimes be there to be seen and shared with love and sometimes be made available for sale.
How will it work alongside your other exhibitions?
Tom’s family are creating access to their father’s, and their own, collection of works, which up until now have been safely stored. Among these works, often unseen, are examples of their father’s legacy – sketch books, etchings, lithographs and paintings across many mediums – a treasure trove created by an authentic man, a ‘gentle’ man in every sense.
In addition to the ground floor gallery space, Gallerina has created four new independent event-led spaces, of which one will be named after Tom. The most fulfilling part of our success, pride and pleasure comes from discovering, nurturing and showcasing Northern talent. With Tom as our champion, the artists in our gallery are in great company indeed.
How do you feel about being entrusted to share his work by the artist’s family?
We had Tom’s trust. We asked for nothing, and I believe this is part of why he enjoyed working with our gallery and meeting its wonderful customers. It was such a privilege to work with, and alongside, Tom, and since his sad passing that privilege and trust has continued with Tom’s family. A huge thank you must go to Corinne, Anthony and Alice for their trust and love.
Did you meet Tom McGuinness? What was he like?
Tom, a great communicator, could satisfy and entertain those who asked about his work and life; be that discussing the iconography found within his art or simply sharing recollections of anyone whose father or grandfather worked under ground. On a personal level, I knew Tom well. He was a quietly proud man with a twinkle in his eye and a great sense of humour. He and I would have days and meals out, often visiting exhibitions. He helped Gallerina simply by choosing to show with us. He trusted us and our non-pushy approach was a good fit for this unassuming man. One of my most powerful memories, which still makes me shiver, was how a man so warm could turn to stone as I wrapped a painting in his studio to take to the gallery. Not a word, nor a smile would accompany my exiting the studio, loading my car and waving goodbye. I couldn’t ever wait to turn the corner at the end of the terrace. Only then could I breathe again. Having been thrilled when Tom called to tell me there was a painting for me, I dreaded the bubble wrapped mummification of what might as well have been one of his children.
Describe his painting style and what you love about his works?
To my mind, he was a most important artist in the truest sense. Tom’s works are not simply illustrations of a working life and the strong communities around which that life was lived. Far more than that, Tom visited darkness and returned with light. I’d never encountered Tom’s techniques. They were often painstaking, unparalleled ways of communicating and celebrating a life crouched and twisted in darkness, working on Durham’s 18inch seams. For many of us, above the ground, it was unimaginable. And yet, he and his works spoke often of colour, light, camaraderie and happy memories. To listen to Tom, was to hear of comrades, of community and a strength among men and families. For him, these were indeed great times. Colour among a background few of us could possibly imagine. Like the lamp worn upon his head, Tom’s face lit up when asked about his time underground, close to 40 years. Even as a working man, he was always quietly sketching, often when bait time allowed. One thousand lifetimes could not have seen Tom realise in paint the images and emotions held in his countless sketchbooks. No repetition here. This man was a creative force, and in the truest sense, an accomplished and important painter. His images are unmistakably McGuinness. Without a doubt, a very important artist, the most important artist, we have ever, and will ever, showcase. Our champion is ‘to remain in light’. Our champion is Tom McGuinness.
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