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Jarrow Hall launches first art exhibition with local hero Frank Henry Mason

The Frank Henry Mason Railway Poster Exhibition takes place in Jarrow Hall until 3 June

Jarrow Hall’s first art exhibition which is sponsored by Port ofTyne is deliberately not Anglo-Saxon; highlighting something very different, but just as relevant to the region – the work of Hartlepool born poster artist Frank Henry Mason.

Mason’s work spans 51 years, he produced over 200 railway posters and 17 carriage print designs between 1910 and 1961 showcasing some of the best locations mostly coastal in the North East and beyond.

Edward Yardley who has written a book on the subject: ‘FrankHenry Mason; Marine Painter and Poster Artist’ is set to host a special eventat Jarrow Hall leading a discussion on the artist and conducting a book signingfrom 2pm on Thursday 26 April.

The Frank Henry Mason Railway Poster Exhibition at Jarrow Hallfeatures 17 pieces of work charting the artist’s changing styles throughout thecourse of his working life and runs until Saturday 3 June.

Leigh Venus Operations Manager (Culture and Heritage) at Groundwork STAN (South Tyneside and Newcastle) the environment and community-focused local charity that runs Jarrow Hall said:

"We were approached by Steven Elliot about the possibility ofexhibiting specially selected pieces from the Mitchell Collection, a privatecollection of Mason’s celebrated work.

“As a visitor attraction that always likes to keep people entertained by showcasing the best the region has to offer, we thought it awonderful idea to exhibit these pieces in a new gallery space here at Jarrow Hall, and with support from our main sponsor Port of Tyne we’ve been able to do this and give visitors the opportunity to see these wonderful and evocative works for free.

“Any donations visitors feel they would like to make are hugely appreciated by the team, and help drive our charitable work forward, changing places and changing lives in our region.”

Susan Wear, Director of Corporate Affairs at Port of Tyne said: “The Port of Tyne is proud to support The Frank Henry Mason Railway Poster Exhibition; his work often celebrates the best locations the North East has to offer so what better place to view it than at the unique visitor attraction Jarrow Hall.”

Mason’s longest running commission by the LNER (London and North Eastern Railway) railway company was to create images for posters of the stops and branch lines between Edinburgh and London on the East Coast route.

Edward Yardley has written a book about Mason’s life and careerdescribing him as one of Britain’s most innovative poster designers. He said:

"Mason was recruited by LNER on the back of his reputationas a marine artist but he wasn't a one-trick pony and could turn his hand toalmost anything.

“The LNER had a much bolder and experimental attitude to posters than its rivals and this showed in their use of people like Mason, who had been fine artists in their own right. The results were amazing.

"In 1927 Mason was one of five artists given exclusive contractswith LNER to create 20 or so posters every year.”

The Frank Henry Mason Railway Poster Exhibition takes place in Jarrow Hall opposite the gift shop until 3 June with Edward Yardley hosting thespecial Frank Henry Mason event from 2pm on Thursday 26 April.

For more information please call 0191 4241585 (during public opening times) or visit: www.jarrowhall.org.uk

Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm, Village and Bede Museum, Church Bank, Jarrow, South Tyneside, NE32 3DY.

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