Portrait adds a dusting of mystery to exhibition in Bishop Auckland
The Mining Art Gallery is marking 100 years since the birth of artist Tom McGuinness and is looking for help from the public
A mystery portrait has prompted a public appeal in County Durham as a major new exhibition celebrating miner-artist Tom McGuinness opens at Bishop Auckland’s Mining Art Gallery.
Visitors are being asked to help identify an unknown man depicted in a 1963 charcoal drawing, Portrait of an Unknown Man, now on display as part of Tom McGuinness: Out of the Darkness.
The exhibition marks the centenary of the artist’s birth and will run throughout 2026.
McGuinness, who was born in nearby Witton Park, worked in the mines for nearly four decades after entering the industry as a Bevin Boy in 1944. His experiences underground shaped a distinctive artistic style, capturing the physical and emotional realities of mining life.
He once said: “I find it difficult to express any feelings in words; that is why I paint… my art mirrors my life in the mining community.”
The newly highlighted portrait dates from the early stages of his career, when he was developing his skills through life drawing. Initially labelled Cathy’s Dad, the work was thought to depict the artist’s father-in-law. However, that assumption has since been challenged.
Corinne Aspel, McGuinness’ daughter, said: “When I saw the drawing, I knew straight away it wasn’t my grandad. There are clear differences - particularly in the shape of his nose. It just didn’t match. It makes you wonder who he really was, and whether someone out there might recognise him.”
Now, the gallery, part of The Auckland Project, is appealing for help from the public.
Anne Sutherland, mining art and industrial heritage curator at The Auckland Project, said: “Tom McGuinness had a remarkable ability to capture character and personality in his portraits. This drawing is no exception, but we don’t yet know the story behind the man in the picture.
“Given Tom’s strong ties to this area, we believe there’s a good chance he was someone from the local community. We’d love to hear from anyone who thinks they might recognise him.”
The wider exhibition brings together more than 50 years of McGuinness’ work, including oil paintings, sketches, etchings and lithographs, alongside rarely seen loans. From February to June, the focus is on portraiture, with later displays set to explore scenes from the Durham Miners’ Gala and the artist’s printmaking.
Anne added: “This exhibition celebrates a man whose work captures the emotional truth of mining life as Tom interpreted what it felt like to be a miner. His art remains a powerful reminder of the resilience and identity of mining communities across the North East.”
Anyone who may recognise the sitter is encouraged to contact The Auckland Project via email: enquiries@aucklandproject.org