North East gallery leaps into autumn with new animal-themed collection

An award-winning children’s author and illustrator is sketching out her largest solo show to date at a Newcastle art gallery this autumn.

The Biscuit Factory – the UK’s largest independent commercial art, craft and design gallery, located in Newcastle upon Tyne – launches its new autumn exhibition on Friday 7 September, headlined by Edinburgh-based artist, Catherine Rayner.

The new solo show from the 2009 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal-winning artist comprises 30 pieces of original paintings and silk-screen prints depicting a variety of animals, including hares, foxes, pheasants and swans.

Gallery curator Sam Knowles explains: “Multiple award-winning Catherine Rayner is one of the nation’s favourite children’s book authors and illustrators. An increasingly popular exhibitor here over recent years, we are thrilled to be hosting a brand new collection of her original paintings and prints in what will be her largest exhibition to date.

“Her beautiful illustrations of animals are full of charm and character. There is a relaxed effortlessness to her style which belies her skill as a draughtsman and total command of her chosen medium. Her books are cherished by families across the country and her original artworks have become highly sought-after, too.”

More than 250 artists, designers and makers are featured in the gallery’s new seasonal exhibition, with other highlights including a solo show from 2017 Open Contemporary Young Artist Award winner Megan Rea; and Structure – a dynamic new collection exploring shape and form within jewellery design.

The new autumn exhibition opens with a launch event on Friday 7 September, 6-9pm, featuring a range of exciting pop ups and artists demonstrations from local creatives, including a book signing with Catherine Rayner, live painting by landscape artist Stephen Heward, an informal talk from jeweller Kate Trouw, curated titles from Forum Books and brush lettering with The Crafthood.