WORK to restore a much-loved Barnard Castle mural is expected to start in the next few months.
The mural, in St Mary’s Parish Hall, which was completed by Barnard Castle School art teacher Douglas Pittuck in the late 1950s, was previously restored in 2003, but it has deteriorated further, threatening its long term future.
However, a group of volunteers got together early last year in a bid to raise cash for its restoration.
Since then, £7,000 has been raised to restore the mural to its former glories.
Charlie Ing, a member of the group said: “In February, we hosted a very successful concert in the parish hall and we would like to thank everyone who supported that event, both by attending, or through donations.
“The proceeds of the evening, together with sales of merchandise, grants and donations we have received, have resulted in us having sufficient funds in the bank to commission Luke Jordan, a local art restorer, to complete the renovation of the mural.”
However, an exhibition of the former art teacher’s work, which was due to be held in The Witham, in April, had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
This has now been postponed until April next year, although a date has yet to be finalised.
Mr Ing said: “We also hope to stage the other events we had planned for April, including illustrated talks about Douglas Pittuck’s life and work, and viewings of the mural in the parish hall.
“Included in The Witham during the rescheduled exhibition we still plan to have examples of artwork produced by 6th form students at Barnard Castle School, and an anthology of prose produced by Year 9 students inspired by their viewing of the mural in the parish hall.”
Mr Ing thanked supporters for their ongoing interest in the mural, which depicts scenes of life in and around Barnard Castle in the late 1950s.
