An opening date has been announced for The Spanish Gallery in Bishop Auckland, adding another string to the bow of The Auckland Project as it earns another share of the national spotlight.
The regeneration charity, which aims to create opportunities and drive investment into the area around Auckland Castle, says finishing touches are being made to the gallery where recently Michael Portillo was treated to a preview tour.
It will open its doors in Bishop Auckland ’s Market Place on October 15 and tickets are due to go on sale early in the month.
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A film commissioned to mark the gallery's launch features the broadcaster and former politician - who himself has Spanish heritage - during his Bishop Auckland trip.
Local filmmaker Alan Fentiman shot scenes of Mr Portillo and project founder Jonathan Ruffer as they toured the four floors of the venue intended to bring an artistic boost to the area.
The gallery focuses upon art of the Spanish Golden Age during the 16th and 17th centuries, inspired by the Jacob and his Twelves Sons series of paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán which have hung in the long dining room of the nearby castle for more than 250 years.
Mr Portillo said: “It was a great pleasure and privilege to visit The Auckland Project.
“I am very interested in the Spanish paintings by Zurbarán in the castle and excited by the Spanish Gallery that will open in Market Square in October."
He added: “Its design and contents vastly exceeded my high expectations. I’ll be a frequent visitor.”
The Spanish Gallery is one of seven sites, developed and managed by the project, which draw upon regional history.
The others are Auckland Castle, its Deer Park, Mining Art Gallery, Walled Garden, Auckland Tower Visitor Centre and a forthcoming Faith Museum.
The castle has the likes of its throne room and long dining room now reopened to the public, plus an exhibition of work by Dutch masters on show in its Bishop Trevor Gallery until October 3.
For more information and to book tickets to The Auckland Project’s attractions see here.
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