Fund set up to keep Pittuck mural in tip-top condition

HUNDREDS of visitors flocked to St Mary’s Parish Church, in Barnard Castle, for a two-day exhibition of paintings by Douglas Pittuck and to view his recently restored mural.
The exhibition of works by the former Barnard Castle art teacher had been arranged two years ago but was delayed due to Covid-19
However the delay meant visitors were also able to see the fully-restored mural on the east wall of the parish hall, depicting scenes of Barnard Castle from the late 1950s.
During lockdown Luke Jordan and Cedric Charleof restored the mural after £7,000 was raised by the volunteer Douglas Pittuck group through events including a concert.
Some of the 26 paintings and sketches, on loan from Mr Pittuck’s daughter, Susan Skelton, were also available for sale using a sealed bid system.
Some of the proceeds from these sales and money raised through the auction of another painting, the Demolition of Ullathorne’s Mill, will go towards a ring-fenced fund to ensure continued maintenance of the mural for future generations.
Jennie White, from the mural group, said: “Any money that is made will go towards maintenance of the mural and that will be ring-fenced.”
Paul Ing, from the mural group, said: “It is nice seeing everyone working together on this project.
“The town is like a partnership and have all come together as a community. The Bowes Museum have been brilliant with their support and the loan of their exhibition displays.”
Matthew Read, formerly of The Bowes Centre for Art, Craft and Design, played a big part in getting the restoration underway. He said: “It’s the first time I have been back and seen the work and it seems like the end of an era and the start of something new.
“This is a little thing that has grown. The mural is both an asset and a liability at the same time. Barnard Castle came up with a pragmatic solution and all stepped in provide the solution.
“It is brilliant to see it handed over, and a mechanism in place to get things done. This project has seen what Barnard Castle can do through working together.”