Laing Art Gallery is a perfect place for art lovers from around the world. The gallery has been around for a century and boasts of paintings and water colors of the 18th and 19th century. Founded in 1901 by Alexander Laing, a Scottish wine and spirit merchant the Laing building was opened in 1904. The gallery houses an extensive collection of British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware.
Most of the collections at the Laings Art Gallery are of national and international significance. The Gallery is also well known among the art lovers for its high profile temporary exhibition programmes of both historical and contemporary art. The Laing Art Gallery's distinctive tower has become a landmark in Newcastle city centre. It was designed by local commercial architechts Cackett and Burns Dick. The Gallery celebreated its centenary with some new refurbishment. This included transformation of the premier art gallery with some additonal collections from Laing.
The Gallery has an excellent collection of British art, including some important pieces from the Pre-Raphaelite movement and several dramatic landscapes by local artists like John Martin. The galleries most fantastic collection is the 'Art on Tyneside' exhibition that has won several national awards. This section traces the excellent developments of the city on arts and crafts, especially on glassmaking and engraving.
