What is valuable about The Witham?
I find The Witham an absolute lifesaver, especially given my current state of health. When I attend, the volunteers are always so helpful – they’ll carry my handbag for me, or help me to my seat, or better still, fetch me a glass of red wine.
What do you think The Witham could do better in future?
We need to appeal to a wider range of people, especially those who think they don’t like the arts.
How often do you go to The Witham, and what kinds of events attract you?
At least weekly. I’m really enjoying the Covent Garden relays at the moment. They’re bringing world-class standards to our community so we can inspire our children and give them ambitions. And you can get it all in Barnard Castle for £15, not the £200 you’d have to pay in London.
Examples of occasions when you have used The Witham:
I sponsored some ballet a few years ago. Ballet dancers have such tremendous physical skills. I really want to encourage school children to appreciate the arts – especially ballet. My interest in art history started when I was five, looking at small sepia reproductions of art in Arthur Mee’s Children’s Encyclopedia.
How would you describe The Witham?
Very welcoming; visitor friendly; good mix of programming; extremely good value.
Why do you think The Witham is important for a market town like Barnard Castle?
It brings people together. It brings a quality of product that’s very special. I do think the programming is very good. For a town this size, the amount of arts available is amazing.
How do you rate The Witham as it is now, versus The Witham before the renovation?
There’s no comparison. The old place was terrible. And it was cold too. As a building, the new Witham is very nice. It’s retained its heritage character, yet it’s bright, modern and easy to use.
It’s warm. It’s comfortable. It has a club-like atmosphere in a way. You go in and usually there’s somebody you know sitting in the cafe. People would pay a lot for that in a fancy club in London.
How would you feel if The Witham were to close?
I’d be in despair. I’ve called it a life saver. Whenever I go it lifts my spirits.
Elizabeth Conran travelled the world as an art historian. Starting in 1959 she worked with collections and archives of French and British 19th century art in the Whistler Archive (University of Glasgow), Manchester City Art Gallery and at The Bowes Museum where she was the curator until 2001. Since retirement, Elizabeth has continued to be active, lecturing in art history.
