Jonathan Edward Hodgkin (1875–1953) founded The Darlington Society of Arts in 1922 to stimulate an interest in the creation and appreciation of Art and Craft within the community of Darlington and the surrounding areas, and became an associate of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1926 and a member in 1928. He was an engineer and Darlington based artist, working in watercolour, and grew up in the mansion of Elm Ridge, which John Pease, eldest son of Edward Pease, the pioneer of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, had built in 1867. There are a number of his paintings in Darlington Borough Art Collection, four of which are shown below, with others accessible through the Art UK website by clicking here.
We’re also delighted to share the winning entry by a nine year old from a recent art competition co-ordinated by St. Mark’s Church on North Road in Darlington, fantastic to see creative work spanning the generations (centuries and millennia for that matter.)
With Darlington Society of Arts still meeting regularly we hope that Jonathan Edward Hodgkin would be delighted with his legacy. Their current exhibition includes 50+ works from some of its current members, in different media including drawings, digital prints, acrylic, oil and watercolour paintings, miniatures and textiles, and in a variety of styles.
The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday during standard Darlington Library opening hours until Thursday 20th February 2025, and a selection of visitor comments on this exhibition so far includes:
- Obviously some talented artists in our midst!
- Great work! Particularly liked ‘Staithes’, ‘Dark Peak’ + ‘Surrender Bridge’, as all familiar to me.
- So wonderful to see Derek Moses painting of my parents from the travelling community, thank you.
- Lovely to look at so much excellent work all done with LOVE.
- Great local talent. Very much appreciated, especially Gina’s (Gina Morton) miniatures.
More on Darlington Society of Arts, a friendly group who welcome new members, can be found by clicking here, and further detail on this and the next exhibition, by Alan Clements, in the Art Gallery at Darlington Library by clicking here. We welcome your thoughts on the exhibitions if you get the chance to see them and hope you enjoy your visit to the Art Gallery in Darlington Library.
