With numerous original works, 20^th century posters and graphic art vying for wall space, Michelle and Martin Gregory from Blyth are avid collectors. Michelle spoke to us about their Peter Hallam collection and told us more about their recent purchases.

We met Peter Hallam’s Frank first thing at the Living North Fair; what a character! It was an immediate emotional response; we instantly agreed he was coming home with us.

Frank, Peter Hallam, 2016

The decor at no. 97 is constantly evolving; friends say our restored Victorian home is welcoming and unique. Our antique and bespoke furniture display my three decades of vintage finds, love of books and The Beatles. We have numerous original works vying for wall space, with 20th Century posters, prints, graphic art and street jewellery. Frank and The Posh Couple from Blyth fit right in. (Peter Hallam signed and dedicated 'The Posh People' with this new name the night of the exhibition opening, we loved it!)

The Posh People From Blyth, Peter Hallam, 2016

Everyone here loves Frank - he’s part of the family. We’ve had many large gatherings; he’s aboard now and keeping an eye on the last few. Our kids David and Emma and their partners Hannah and Amie have their own tastes, be it 60s mod or 40s kitsch. We look forward to unveiling Lilac to them and all our friends at the home warming when renovations are complete on our new Georgian house; number nine.

Lilac, Peter Hallam, 2016.

Lucian Freud is my favourite artist after seeing his incredibly moving exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Martin might favour Dada but also loves everything my eye does - the secret to a happy marriage!

We are fortunate to own the dreamlike Hurrying Home by Jenny Holm (again thanks to The Biscuit Factory), Painting is Dead by Nick Holmes and a number of works by Jaisen Yates.

Hurry Home, Jenny Holm

I love all the modern figurative paintings that we own, however we like to visit museums and galleries as you cannot beat seeing art up close. We appreciate all styles.

I would love to own Old Lighthouse Blyth, the 1970 L.S. Lowry sketch. We were unaware of its sale in 2015, although we would have had to remortgage! It’s a view right outside the back door of our new home.

Original art may seem expensive to some, but we have used the Own Art scheme for all three Peter Hallam paintings. You pay 10 per cent, interest free, each month...the carpets can wait! In the North East, art is thriving. Much of it is free to access and we take full advantage. If “the object of art is to give life shape” then the North East is in good shape. We love visiting The Biscuit Factory. There is always something wonderful to look at - and eat! It’s well laid out and lit; and it’s an intimate and social space in which to relax. We find the staff friendly and the launch events every season are now a must!



Michelle Gregory, Autumn Exhibition Launch 2016

Martin Gregory with 'Dedicated Follower of Fashion', Peter Hallam 2016.

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The Biscuit Factory's Own Art scheme makes buying art easy and affordable by letting you spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan. You can borrow between £100 and £2,500 so you can start your collection from as little as £10 per month, use the scheme to part finance a larger value purchase, or combine the costs of multiple pieces. For more information please click here.

Peter Hallam is one of our most sought after exhibitors and his work is increasingly collectable. Working as a professional artist for more than 20 years, Peter has explored and refined his surrealist style and specialised in abstract landscapes and portraiture. Preview Peter's collection highlights here.