Summer is finally here – well that is what the calendars say – the weather…… now that’s a different story!!!!For us in Friends of the Laing Art Gallery (FLAG) the month of August means we are well over half way through our golden anniversary year.

Last month, as part of our celebrations, we sailed down the Tyne on the good ship Fortuna. We were blessed with good weather and an interesting commentary given by the celebrated writer Michael Chaplin, who gave us a n excellent insight into the past of this mighty river. We saw the remnants of the once busy shipyards and learned a little of the people who lived and worked along the river banks. There was also mention of the great artists who visited the area to paint the extraordinary views. (Shields on the River Tyne by J M Turner was one of them).

Of course our we still have more celebrations in the next few months….our Gala Lunch is to be held at the Assembly Rooms – if you’d like to celebrate with us better get your tickets quickly as they are selling fast!!If you visit the Laing Cafe – look out for the FLAG slide show. This shows some of the pictures and artefacts that the funds raised by us have either bought or contributed to. You’ll be surprised at the variety of the works.

We have some excellent trips planned for the coming months – mid August we are going down to the Captain Cook Museum in Whitby – where we will see George Stubbs The Kongouro from New Holland. In September we are visiting Pickering for a trip on the North York Moors Railway and in October FLAG is visiting Abbot Hall, Kendal, where they have Canaletto’s Architecture: Celebrating Georgian Britain. so an interesting few months ahead.

There are also some ‘must see’ exhibitions at the gallery – Picture This: Children’s illustrated Classics is running until September 27th – then in October we have The Arts & Crafts House: Then and now – and remember Friends of the Laing receive discounts to paying exhibitions!! Another exhibition we have showing now is For Ever Amber – showing some stunning images of working class communities in North East England.

If you do visit the gallery please do stop by the Welcome desk for a chat/ ask questions or even just to find out where the exit is!!We also still have copies of our gallery quiz with the opportunity of winning an Eldon Square voucher.

You can contact us on 0191 261 0962, e-mail us art@flag.fslife.co.uk or pop in and see us, there’s usually someone in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday. You can also print out an application form by clicking here.