The life of former pitman and professional artist Norman Cornish will be celebrated with a special lecture at the historic home of the Durham miners on the eve of his centenary anniversary.
The fully illustrated lecture will be delivered by Cornish family member Mike Thornton on Sunday November 17 at 2pm at Redhills: Durham Miners Hall.
Norman, who was born on 18 November 1919, painted numerous scenes of pitmen, his community and his beloved Durham Miners Gala. He became one of the leading 20th century British artists and his work is held in public and private collections throughout the UK and beyond.
Durham Miners Hall, known as The Pitman’s Parliament, has been designated as one of the country’s top 100 irreplaceable places by Historic England.
“We have toured the region with the lecture about Norman and The Pitman’s Parliament is the most appropriate place to deliver it on the day before his birthday. Norman’s work records and represents the life of mining in County Durham and his depictions of pit life and the Miner’s Gala is well known. We hope as many people as possible will join us for the day.”
Mike Thornton
The lecture is being hosted by Durham Miners Association (DMA) which celebrates its 150th anniversary on November 20 – just three days after the lecture.
“It is an honour to host this important event, particularly as the two anniversaries are so close together. Norman’s work is a central part of the representation of our unique mining heritage and culture. We are glad that his family have chosen the Pitman’s Parliament for the event.”
Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the Durham Miners Association
The event will also feature Tony Gadd, poet-in-residence for the Cornish Centenary, reading his poem about the Durham Miners’ Gala.
- Norman Cornish Centenary Lecture
- Redhills: Durham Miners Hall
- Sunday 17 November
- Doors open 1.30pm
- Lecture begins at 2pm