Two leading arts organisations located in Newcastle’s cultural quarter are drawing up a new collaboration to showcase the artwork of an award-winning illustrator and promote the rich family arts offer of Ouseburn Valley.
The Biscuit Factory – the UK’s largest independent commercial art, craft and design gallery, and Seven Stories – The National Centre for Children’s Books, are partnering up this autumn to spotlight what will be Edinburgh-based artist Catherine Rayner’s largest solo show to date, comprising 30 original paintings and silk-screen prints of animals.
In celebration of the new headline show, Catherine Rayner will host an afternoon book reading at Seven Stories on 27 September, followed by a ticketed ‘evening with’ event at The Biscuit Factory, where the illustrator will talk about her career and share insights into her working practices and the inspiration behind her work.
Seven Stories has also been taking its activity out and about this year to bring the joy of reading to new audiences in and around the Ouseburn. From sitting amongst the animals at Ouseburn Farm to going underground at Victoria Tunnel, Story Time has been delivered in the most unusual of spaces and Seven Stories’ talented Story Catchers will be heading to The Biscuit Factory for a special Catherine Rayner-themed story time on 13 October.
Rachel Brown, general manager of The Biscuit Factory said: “Following Catherine’s previous sell-out exhibitions we’re thrilled to be unveiling this brand new collection. We know that this show will appeal to a broad range of our audience, not least our youngest visitors and so with this in mind, we’re introducing a new children’s craft and create space, we’ll be hosting lots of half term activities, we’re taking part in International Drawing Festival; The Big Draw and of course we’re proud to be working with our Ouseburn neighbours, Seven Stories.”
Catherine Rayner’s new exhibition at The Biscuit Factory runs from 7 September until 28 October. To view and buy from the new collection, or purchase tickets for the evening with Catherine Rayner event, visit www.thebiscuitfactory.com.