Member Article

The Aviary, a new art hub for Newcastle and the North East

Set to hit the art scene in the city is “The Aviary Gallery” with an iconic mix of international “firsts” and a refreshing mix of established and new talent on show.

Nestled within the bustling boutiques and busy cafés of Brentwood Avenue, Jesmond in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the creative space has been designed and founded by successful North East entrepreneur Kirsty Bell, CEO of Goldfinch, the leading British independent Film & TV production and finance company with offices in London and the North East.

Trevor Read, Director and Curator of The Aviary gallery said, “visitors to our contemporary gallery can expect to discover work from established and emerging artists alike and explore a diverse medley of art and design that has been skilfully and precisely crafted. Many of the pieces are one of a kind and unique examples of rare artistry at work. There will be also be a private showing of a new collection of work from renowned wildlife artist Louise McNaught “INTERFERENCE” at the gallery, followed by an amazing line-up of exclusive shows, talks and competitions planned into summer”.

Early visitors to The Aviary Art Gallery will have the opportunity to see a never before seen in public iconic photographic collection of Warhol imagery, an insect inspired art from Jess Albarn (sister of Damon Albarn), an extraordinary collection of pieces from psychedelic artist David Vaughan, politically charged pop art from Violeta Sofia and more.

Founder of The Aviary Gallery, Kirsty Bell chose to set up the concept space in her hometown of Newcastle in the trendy, upscale suburb of Jesmond. Known best as the CEO of successful and independent film and TV company Goldfinch, Bell sees the area as a refreshing location to showcase artists from the region and around the world, with installations, sculptures and art on display.

Kirsty Bell said, “we are very proud to bring The Aviary to the North East for its first bricks and mortar site. As a NE family we know the welcoming atmosphere, modest aspiration and thriving business community that has drawn so many individuals and companies up here. Whilst our new Brentwood Avenue address in the NE will give us a much needed home, we will continue to host pop-up events in London and around the UK as well as building our online presence. Trevor, myself and the team will continue to add to the roster of artists we have discovered from around the UK, including some incredible, never before seen collections, to be revealed when we officially open the gallery. Seeing the art in the curated environment that the team have designed will draw people in to view at their pleasure, giving a relaxing and aspirational feel to the gallery”.

Trevor Read, Director of The Aviary Art Gallery continued, “The Aviary was born out of a love and appreciation for beautiful imagery created by paint, pencil, light, film and passion. We are a multi-faceted platform home to an assembly of artists and photographers that share a devotion for creating unique and individual bodies of work with a provocative and powerful narrative. Each piece a rare analysis of the world, accomplished with skill and finesse, supportive of a modern topic or conversation. The Warhol collection in particular excites me a lot, a peek into an iconic moment in art history that changed the world forever. These images have never been seen publicly, with each image hand signed by the photographer himself and developed from the original negative. The entire collection has been endorsed by The Andy Warhol Museum and Andy Warhol’s family and we’re honoured to have been given the opportunity to share it with our guests. No other gallery has or will ever have these unseen images”.

With regular events, pop-ups and launches The Aviary aims to showcase talent, nourish and develop emerging artists and become a nerve centre to champion creativity in the city.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Claire Barber .