The Late Shows: A Recap

Image: Alba Together

Set alongside the launch of our new Early Summer collections, the evening brought together artists, musicians, and visitors for a programme that unfolded across the gallery.

At the centre of the evening was Still/Life, Jo Sharpe’s headline exhibition of oil paintings inspired by the landscapes of Norfolk and Surrey. Informed by the language of folk art, the collection reflects a close attention to place, everyday objects and the changing rhythms of the natural world. Throughout the evening, visitors joined Jo for wildflower slow sketching, gathering around tables to spend time observing shape, texture and colour.

Across the gallery, music and spoken word carried through the spaces as visitors moved between exhibitions. Mercury Prize nominated singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams performed songs from across her back catalogue while also launching ‘Striking Image‘, a collection of miniature portraits inspired by the royal courts of the 1500s. A folk-inspired DJ set from Maximo Park’s Paul Smith welcomed guests into the evening, alongside spoken word from Rowan McCabe, the Door to Door Poet, and acoustic performances from fiddle and guitar duo Miggins Fiddle.

Elsewhere, Newcastle Film Club screened a selection of short films by local filmmakers, while The Book Room shared a considered selection of titles. In The Factory Kitchen, visitors gathered for a curated burger menu, craft beers and natural wines as the gallery shifted into night.

Our Early Summer collections remain on view in the gallery until 5 July 2026.