It’s not just the artwork that is being showcased at an annual summer exhibition opening its doors in Billingham next week.
St Cuthbert’s Church in Billingham will provide the idyllic backdrop to students’ creative work from local schools and colleges.
And following a fight for survival, the church, with parts that are over 1000 years old, aims to demonstrate its own unique sustainability as a community space and potential heritage attraction.
“Now in its third year, the art exhibition has demonstrated the excitement, commitment and flair our schools and colleges can bring to the cultural side of things in the church,” said Ken Wilson, Chair of the Friends of St Cuthbert’s.
“Our aim, this year, is to bring those same marvellous capabilities to the launch of our own heritage story.”
Of the Grade 1 listed building, he said: “The life of St Cuthbert’s, as run by the Church of England, is coming to an end with the decision for its closure due this year from the Church Commissioners.
“Through our recent agreement with the Diocese and Billingham Parish, closure of the church is being deferred for five years to allow us to demonstrate a sustainable future for it – full of exciting events and as a heritage attraction telling an 1100 year old story from its Saxon origins, to the Billingham Factory, and the town and its people.”
Hosted by the Friends of St Cuthbert’s, the art exhibition brings together young and old with a selection of newly created drawings, paintings, sculptures and crafts, displayed in the church with a Saxon tower believed to date back to 1000AD.
The showcase will feature work from students at Bede Sixth Form College, Northfield School and Sports College, Billingham South and Prior’s Mill C.E. primary schools and The Northern School of Art.
Suzy Wandless, art teacher at Bede, said: “This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for our students to share the results of their hard work, creativity and commitment.
“Throughout the year they have challenged themselves, developed new skills and produced work that is both thoughtful and inspiring. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to welcome visitors to celebrate their success with us.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the exhibition is the opportunity to work alongside our feeder schools and showcase the creative journey of young people from primary school through to college.”
Northfield’s head of art and design, Sam Beasley, said: “At Northfield School we have a creative, imaginative and productive art and design curriculum. We aim to give our pupils a set of skills that they can use to create their own work and an appreciation of wider artistic culture.”
Of displaying students’ work in the “historic and much-loved community setting”, Tabitha Carwardine, art and design lecturer at The Northern School of Art, said: “Our students’ responses to the theme Enchanted, show talent, imagination and creative individuality that bring fresh inspiration to this cherished space.
“Each piece explores wonder, transformation, and artistic expression, inviting the community to pause, reflect, and see the church through a renewed creative lens. This exhibition celebrates not only the achievements of our students, but also the enduring connection between creativity, heritage, and the people of Billingham.”
For many of the very young artists this will be the first time they have seen their work publicly displayed.
Chris Richards, assistant headteacher at Prior’s Mill, said: “We value opportunities to connect with our community, and this exhibition allows our children to share their creativity in a truly meaningful way. We are very proud of the enthusiasm and talent they have shown while supporting St Cuthbert’s.
Laura Honour, headteacher at Billingham South, said: “Billingham South is thrilled to take part in this exhibition of young people’s work. We particularly value the opportunity to exhibit at St.Cuthbert’s - a wonderful, historic building at the heart of the community.”
Open to all, The Journey, an art exhibition featuring work from Bede Sixth Form College, Northfield School and Sports College, Billingham South Primary School, Prior’s Mill C.E. Primary School and The Northern School of Art, takes place at St Cuthbert’s Church, Billingham, on Monday June 15 and Tuesday June 16, from 5pm to 7pm. Entry is by donation at the door.
