TOWN ARTIST: A self-portrait of Douglas Pittuck
TOWN ARTIST: A self-portrait of Douglas Pittuck

A BARNARD Castle artist who created a mural of the town in the 1950s is to be the subject of a free talk this week.
Douglas Pittuck from Every Angle will be the title of the fourth in a series of talks about the history, heritage and culture of Barnard Castle.
It will take place on Friday (May 7) at 6pm via the online platform Zoom.
Christine Hartas, from Barnard Castle and Teesdale Art Society, will be discussing what the town would be like without its own artists, as well as exploring how art pieces are important for a town’s cultural identity – drawing attention to the Pittuck Mural.
The mural was created by local artist Douglas Pittuck in 1958 on the east wall of St Mary’s Parish Hall, in Barnard Castle.
The talk, organised by DigVentures, was due take place in the hall, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, will be held virtually.
The talk comes ahead of an exhibition of Pittuck’s paintings, planned for June 12 and 13. The organisers say the exhibition will give residents and visitors the perfect opportunity to see the mural, which was restored during lockdown by Luke Jordan and Cedric Charleof.
Jenny White, from the Pittuck restoration group, said: “We will soon be sending out information about the exhibition. People will be able to see the recently renovated mural and view a collection of 26 paintings, on loan from the Pittuck family, and some of them will be available for purchase. We are hoping to be able to allow 30 people in the hall at any one time with separate entry and exit facilities.”
To register for the talk on Friday, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/141112957655.