Publish date: 6 July 2023

Northumbria-inspired art exhibition opens at North Tyneside General Hospital

A group of people holding a long red ribbon and one of the men is cutting it.

Terry Harbinson, an artist from Jarrow, has recently opened his new art exhibition at North Tyneside General Hospital.

‘Sea – carved coastline, moor and mountain’ is an exhibition which features several oil paintings of Northumbrian landscapes. Consisting of coastlines, land, buildings, and rivers, this collection showcases the natural and historic beauty of North-East England. It reflects his, and many others’ love for the stunning scenery that lives within this part of the country.

The title of the exhibition was taken from a hymn about Northern Saints, written by Rev Michael Humble, a priest of the Catholic diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. This phrase helped to inspire the paintings within this collection of art.

Having exhibited his work in churches, civil buildings, and in theme projects, Terry was offered to display his art within the North Tyneside Hospital and happily took the opportunity.

Terry said: “Whenever an artist is asked to exhibit their art, it is always a great feeling and a big achievement, because it shows that people like and appreciate the work they do. I am truly honoured to have my work exhibited in such a place. I believe that the NHS is one of the finest creations of our society.”

He described the process of viewing or creating art as “uplifting and healing, helping us to recognise beauty and feel better about ourselves.” He then said: “Some may describe this as a spiritual experience.

“Landscape painting is like creating historical novels, with the opportunity to express creativity. I hope this idea translates over to viewers, and that they’ll be able to see landscape painting in a new light.

“I want people to become immersed in the moments that I have rescued, so that when they go back outside, they can look at these places in a different way and rescue a moment for themselves.”

This exhibition was opened by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s chairman, Alan Richardson, and was organised by the Trust’s Bright charity, which has developed award-winning healing arts programmes for the past 20 years.

Two men looking at a piece of artwork on the wall.

Alan said: “Art can play a big role in increasing mental wellbeing, and for that reason we’re happy to showcase this excellent exhibition at our North Tyneside hospital.

“We believe this can have a positive effect on our community and can remind them of what a beautiful region we live in. This will also help Northumbria Healthcare to achieve Our Community Promise, by increasing the wellbeing of our staff, patients, and visitors.”

The exhibition will remain open until September 2023, and can be found by the hospital’s main entrance, just past the NVS shop.

A corridor in a hospital. The walls have lots of artwork on them.

To see more of Terry’s artwork, visit www.arcadianart.co.uk


Media contact

Jesse Ngonyama, marketing assistant apprentice, Northumbria Healthcare

Jesse.Ngonyama@Northumbria-Healthcare.nhs.uk