Newcastle University's art gallery celebrates first anniversary of £3.8m development

This weekend (October 6-7), Newcastle University’s Hatton Gallery is celebrating the anniversary of its re-opening in October 2017.

A grant from Heritage Lottery Fund allowed the Hatton to undergo a £3.38m redevelopment to conserve the architectural elements of the Grade II listed building while creating a modern exhibition space.

To mark the occasion on Saturday October 6, Hatton will be giving the first 70 visitors a limited edition Hatton Gallery souvenir guide.

Since reopening on October 7, 2017, Hatton Gallery has had over 50,000 visits and gained a 125 per cent increase in footfall in its first six months of opening.

Ivor Crowther, head of Heritage Lottery Fund for the North East, said: “This impressive increase in visitor numbers shows the real difference National Lottery funding can make to our heritage.

“Our investment has opened up this quality collection, housed in such an important gallery for more people to enjoy and understand.”

The Gallery also has an important place at the heart of the fine art department at Newcastle University and stages both the BA fine art degree show and the Master of Fine Art Show as a platform for emerging artists to show their work.