Durham Cathedral painting moves to Ushaw Main House

The Building of Durham Cathedral, a seven-metre-wide artwork depicting the construction of the cathedral in the 11th century, has been moved to Ushaw Historic House, Chapel & Gardens.

Created by North East artist Thomas William Pattison, the painting had hung in a prominent position above the doors leading into the foyer of the council chamber.

A painting by Thomas William Pattison is removed from County Hall Durham by the team from North Exhibition, Specialist Art Handlers (Image: Emily Carey)

Councillor Karen Allison, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street at Durham County Council, said: “As part of the decommissioning of County Hall, we are in the process of carefully reviewing the collections that remain in the building and finding new homes where they can be preserved.

“The Building of Durham Cathedral depicts one of the most significant moments in Durham’s history.

“For almost 60 years, the painting has watched over as councillors, officers, and members of the public have entered the council chamber to make decisions which have shaped County Durham.

The Building of Durham Cathedral in its new home at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel & Gardens (Image: Emily Carey)

“We’re delighted to work with Ushaw in finding a new home for this painting, where it will continue to be enjoyed by the public.”

The council’s collections team managed the painting’s careful removal and gave it a specialist conservation clean before it was transferred to Ushaw.

It is now on display in the Main House.

While details about its origins remain unclear, the artwork is believed to have been acquired by the council in 1968.

The Building of Durham Cathedral now at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel & Gardens (Image: Emily Carey)

Andrew Heard, visitor programmes manager at Ushaw, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to display this magnificent and monumental painting at Ushaw.

“We are sure that visitors will appreciate the opportunity to see this striking realisation of one of the most important events in Durham’s history.”

The move comes as Durham County Council prepares to close and demolish County Hall by July to make way for the development of Aykley Heads.

The Aykley Heads project is part of the emerging Durham Innovation District, potentially creating thousands of quality jobs.

Other works by Thomas William Pattison can be found at the Laing Art Gallery, and his portrait of Hannah Rushford, Durham’s first female mayor, is on display at Durham Town Hall.