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The Crack Magazine

Art

Northern Counties Photography Exhibition – Whickham Photographic Club

Delve into a diverse collection of prints and projected images, offering glimpses into the Cathedral’s 2020-2021 redevelopment, scenes from the Little Theatre Gateshead, and nostalgic reflections on the much-missed Sycamore Gap tree. Explore an assortment of themes ranging from nature and landscape to architecture, abstract, portraits, travel, and beyond. Featuring work from Camera Clubs of the Northern Counties Photographic Federation, arranged by Whickham Photographic Club.

Venue:
Newcastle Cathedral, Newcastle, NE1 1DF
Date:
Jul 16th 2024 - Aug 18th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 08:00 - 18:00 , Sat-Sun 08:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Photo-Zine Exhibition

A photo zine is usually a self-made, printed issue built of photos and captions, they often have an overarching theme, concept or story. Baltic have a growing collection of self-published and independent photo-zines covering a wide range of interests in our Zine Library. For the whole month of July they will have a dedicated photo-zine in our Library, come on in to explore and be inspired!

Venue:
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
Date:
Jul 3rd 2024 - Jul 31st 2024
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free

Eternal Ascent: Bentley Beetham and the 1924 Mount Everest Expedition

This exhibition marks the centenary of the 1924 Mount Everest Expedition, the first Western, and ultimately tragic, attempt to climb the highest mountain in the world. The story is told from the perspective of one man, Bentley Beetham, using pictures selected from his large collection of photographs and glass lantern slides taken during the course of the expedition. Bentley Beetham was born in Darlington and attended Barnard Castle School, later returning to the school as a biology teacher.

Venue:
Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, (off South Road), Durham, DH1 3TH
Date:
May 24th 2024 - Sep 15th 2024
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 12:00 - 17:00 , Tue-Wed and Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Thu 10:00 - 19:00
Price:
Free

Backing the Blues: 120 Years of Carlisle United

Celebrate the legacy of Carlisle United (while looking optimistically towards the future). There’ll be more than you can shake a big foam finger at including: Jimmy Glass’ blessed boots, behind the scenes cine film dating from the 1960s to the 1980s, fan Lisa Holmes’ CUFC-themed wedding dress from 1998, CUFC-inspired sculpture by the renowned contemporary artist Gordon Young, rare collections from CUFC fans including personal letters and artefacts, previously unseen photographs from the Cumberland News collection, and unique memorabilia from former players and their families.

Venue:
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP
Date:
Jul 20th 2024 - Nov 10th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Adult admission (valid for 12 months) £15/Under 18s Free

The Missing Lynx Exhibition visits Newcastle

Over two weeks this summer, the Great North Museum: Hancock hosts The Missing Lynx exhibition—a family-friendly experience with audio-visual displays that bring to life the woodlands where lynx could live. What would the return of the lynx to the region look like? Visitors can discover our changing landscapes over the years and learn how restoring lost wildlife could help nature recover. The exhibition charts the history and comeback of lynx across Europe and invites your opinions on bringing the species back to Britain.

Venue:
Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT
Date:
Jul 20th 2024 - Aug 4th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Sun 11:00 - 16:00 , Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Mirror Neurons

The panoramic spectrum of more than 30 artists included in this exhibition create artworks across almost every medium and method, but share one common denominator. Their works recall the writer Lewis Hyde’s idea that “a work of art is a gift, not a commodity ... where there is no gift there is no art”. As Hyde has also noted, quoting Joseph Conrad, “the artist appeals to that part of our being ... which [recognises it as] a gift and not an acquisition – and, therefore, [is] more permanently enduring.” The 30+ artists and academics in ‘Mirror Neurons’ provide an overview of current research by staff and research fellows in Fine Art at Newcastle University at the beginning of the second century of its teaching here.

Venue:
Hatton Gallery, The Quadrangle, University of Newcastle, 6 Kensington Terrace, Newcastle, NE1 7RU
Date:
Jun 29th 2024 - Aug 3rd 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Belonging

The word ‘belonging’ comes from the Old English word langian, which forms the root of ‘longing’. It means a sense of powerful emotional attachment to ‘my place’, where I am ‘at home’, and implies a sense of permanence. This exhibition highlights artworks from the Laing collection and explores the different forms of belonging. Geographical experiences of belonging are represented by local histories and landscapes. At first glance, maps appear scientific and trustworthy, but in the context of an exhibition, their status as an artwork – the product of human creation – is provoked.

Venue:
Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG
Date:
Jul 20th 2024 - Nov 30th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:30
Price:
Free

Recycling the River Tees

The river Tees runs through the heart of the Tees Valley, connecting local communities in both work and leisure. This exhibition created by artists and young people living in the Tees Valley features artworks inspired by the rivers natural and industrial heritage – all created using recycled materials!

Venue:
Kirkleatham Museum, Kirkleatham Village, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 5NW
Date:
Jul 1st 2024 - Nov 30th 2024
Opening Times:
Sun and Tue-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

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Summer Open Exhibition

In all, 57 artists will be showing at this Summer Open Exhibition, and they will represent all manner of disciplines such as painting, sculpture, drawing, collage and textiles. There are far too many artists showing stuff to list here but some of the names to look out for include Deborah Snell, Alfons Bytautas, Kate Sweeney, Jane Sanders and Holly Magdalene Scott.

Venue:
Gallagher & Turner, 30 St Mary’s Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7PQ
Date:
Jul 13th 2024 - Aug 10th 2024
Opening Times:
Tue-Fri 10:30 - 17:00 , Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Our Mighty Meandering River Tees

For decades Stockton town centre has had its back turned to the Tees – a dark, polluted, and foul-smelling industrial river, but now Stockton is opening up again to the riverside and welcoming the Tees back into the heart of our town. The Mighty Meandering Tees is a project, funded by ARC Stockton’s Pizza and Pitches fund, with an aim to spark imagination, love, and knowledge about the River. Pupils from Tilery Primary school became experts in their River, learning about the River’s habitat, what is being done, and what more could be done to help the River adapt to changes and thrive in the future. Local children’s author Lisette Auton helped create the story of our Mighty Tees from its murky past to what we think it might look like in the future – would it be good news?

Venue:
Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
Date:
Jul 16th 2024 - Aug 17th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon 12:00 - 16:00 , Wed-Sat 10:00 - 20:00 , Tue 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

50 Heads (And Some Bodies)

Born in Yorkshire, Graham Robinson has lived in Hexham for over 20 years. He studied fine art sculpture in Newcastle and Cyprus. Graham has been a sculptor for over 40 years and has worked in every material imaginable from stone and bronze to fabric and fibreglass. He has made giant sculptures for festivals, carnival parades and street theatre shows across the UK and internationally, but these clay and cardboard sculptures are a more intimate and personal exploration.

Venue:
Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS
Date:
Jul 19th 2024 - Aug 31st 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Washington: Fact, Fiction and Folklore

Washington: Fact, Fiction and Folklore is a new arts project to celebrate Washington’s past, both real and mythical, to celebrate 60 years of Washington as a New Town. Taking inspiration for the book of the same name by Fred Hill, the local historian and schoolmaster who played a key role in saving Washington Old Hall, an open call went out to creative writers and historians to submit new stories about Washington’s past. Now visual artists have taken inspiration from these stories, and their work will be displayed in an exhibition to be held at Arts Centre Washington this summer and printed in a book to celebrate Washington 60.

Venue:
Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
Date:
Jul 11th 2024 - Sep 7th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon 09:30 - 17:00 , Tue-Sat 09:30 - 20:00
Price:
Free

Foundation Club Artist Commission

In 2023, two artists, Axel and Blossom were commissioned to make new work to display at Baltic as part of their Foundation Club Residencies. Foundation Club has been designed to support young people from the North East aged 16-25 to access, engage with, learn from and be mentored by creative and cultural professionals, to progress their artistic talent and realise their creative potential. Blossom’s lightbox design can be found on the our Ground Floor. Axel’s photographs can be found on Level 2.

Venue:
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
Date:
Jul 1st 2024 - Nov 17th 2024
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free

Glorious Gospels!

See a selection of bibles and manuscripts from across the world, from Durham Cathedral's archive. Find more about their history and how they arrived in Durham, and learn why one Bible was buried for years!

Venue:
Durham Cathedral, Chapter Office, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3EH
Date:
Jul 18th 2024 - Oct 31st 2024
Opening Times:
Sun 12:00 - 16:00 , Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Adult £7.50/under 18s Free

Great British Seaside

Enjoy a nostalgic day out at the Great British Seaside exhibition, celebrating our seaside heritage. From Lemon Tops to vintage beachwear, brightly coloured beach huts to giant seagulls – this fun exhibition is full of favourite childhood memories.

Venue:
Preston Park Museum, Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3RH
Date:
Jul 20th 2024 - Sep 29th 2024
Opening Times:
Sun and Tue-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
£5/£3

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Microworld

A new touring exhibition featuring eight different digital creatures. Move around the space and play with the creatures to find out more about what they do and how you can interact with them, whether it is through movement or sound, or you can simply watch them in action. Microworld is an immersive space filled with digital creatures which through projection and animation encourage interaction, experimentation and play. The creatures communicate with each other and visitors. Sensors, projectors and screens in the space create an engaging and intuitive digital ecosystem.

Venue:
The Word, The National Centre for the Written Word, 45 Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF
Date:
Jul 15th 2024 - Jan 5th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Thu 09:00 - 19:00 , Fri 09:00 - 17:00 , Sat-Sun 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

The Road to D-Day and Beyond

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, this exhibition tells the little-known story of the active part the Northumberland Hussars played during the Second World War. At the outbreak of war in September 1939, the Northumberland Hussars were a County Yeomanry regiment of the Territorial Army. The Regiment had spent the previous twenty years honing their equestrian and shooting skills and displaying them at local shows and fairs throughout Northumberland and Durham. By the time the Allies returned to mainland Europe on 6 June 1944 they had become one of the finest and most battle-hardened Anti-Tank Regiments that the Allied forces could field. This is the story of how they made that transition.

Venue:
Discovery Museum, (Closed on all Bank Holidays) Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA
Date:
Jul 15th 2024 - Oct 25th 2024
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 11:00 - 16:00 , Mon-Fri 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Britney Fraser: "Nay Botha Hen"

A solo exhibition of rag rugs and sculptural works by Northumbria based artist Britney Fraser. Ney Botha Hen will give visitors the chance to experience past and present works alongside a new large scale rug commission that incorporates a sea shanty by Saltburn based writer Carmen Marcus, focusing on how fishing boats in Redcar are made. Rag rugs are used by Britney to explore her upbringing, the dialects, the colloquialisms and the familiar and cultural voices that surround her. Her choice of fabrics and other materials further represent Britney’s Northeast heritage and the mining communities around Northumberland, utilising everyday textiles like towels, dishcloths, and tarpaulin. With these materials she also speaks of the domesticity and the undervalued labour associated with it.

Venue:
The Redcar Palace, Palace 28, 28-29 Esplanade, Redcar, TS10 3AE
Date:
Jul 6th 2024 - Aug 31st 2024
Opening Times:
Tue-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Like Ships in the Night: A Solo Exhibition of Rory Williams

Have you ever stopped to think about the people you encounter every day? The stranger on the bus, the shopper disappearing down another aisle, people in the street you catch as a fleeting glimpse as you walk by. These figures enter your life for a fraction of a moment only to disappear just as quickly, leaving nothing but a fuzzy afterimage of an idea. Yet, these people live complete lives, and in doing so they complete others’. Like Ships in the Night is Rory's first solo exhibition, and features paintings as candid observations of these characters, portraying encounters with individuals in his everyday life.

Venue:
The Customs House Gallery, Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1ES
Date:
Jul 5th 2024 - Aug 11th 2024
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free

Painting for Fun Summer Exhibition

This vibrant exhibition, brings together an eclectic group of artists united by their love of painting. With subject matter ranging from landscapes to portraits, with local landmarks and animals in the mix, there is something for everyone to appreciate. All the paintings in the exhibition are produced by class members and most are available to buy in order to further support the work of Painting for Fun. We also have calendars available to purchase which are perfect as a gift.

Venue:
Shieldfield Art Works, Formerly The Holy Biscuit, Opposite The Biscuit Factory, 1 Clarence Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1YH
Date:
Jun 29th 2024 - Aug 10th 2024
Opening Times:
Tue-Thu 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Craftsmen at the Priory 2024

Fifteen of the best designers and makers from across the North of England will be taking over the Dacre Hall alongside Lanercost Priory near Brampton for the month of August, showcasing the best of local skill and creativity.

Venue:
Dacre Hall, Lanercost, Dacre Hall, Lanercost Priory, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2HQ
Date:
Jul 31st 2024 - Aug 27th 2024
Opening Times:
31st Jul - 27th Aug 2024 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
£1

Northern Lines: An exhibition by Jack Coates

Jack Coates creates fluid, gestural and impressionistic artwork that captures the details and shapes of the urban landscape, consciously embracing an autonomous style. Colour, for the most part has become superfluous to his work and recent drawings, although taken from sketches at locations, have a more graphic feel. This exhibition shows Jack's obsession with observational drawing and highlights his interest in the structure, characteristics and contours of our local city architecture.

Venue:
Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4LN
Date:
Aug 3rd 2024 - Sep 28th 2024
Opening Times:
Sat 09:00 - 13:00 , Tue-Wed and Fri 09:00 - 17:00 , Mon and Thu 09:00 - 19:00
Price:
Free

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Northern Summer Exhibition

This open exhibition showcases a range of mediums, genre, subject and abilities. It celebrates the diversity of artistic perspective and skill we have here in the North. Preview 3rd August, 2pm-4pm.

Venue:
Newcastle Arts Centre, 67 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SG
Date:
Aug 5th 2024 - Aug 31st 2024
Opening Times:
Sat 00:00 - 17:00 , Mon-Sat 09:30 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Kate O'Neill: Jam

There is an unpredictable spark that can be ignited when people play together. The songs (standards) are a conduit that can transport and unite those willing to be part of it. As an observer I’ve become fascinated by the fusion that occurs when people are enmeshed in these moments. This exhibition is an exploration of these states of grace.

Venue:
36 Lime Street, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Aug 16th 2024 - Aug 18th 2024
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 10:30 - 19:30 , Mon-Fri 12:00 - 14:00 , Mon-Fri 17:00 - 20:00
Price:
Free

Snatch a Thread

A solo exhibition by Bethany Stead, supported by The Elephant Trust. Working across drawing, painting and sculpture, Stead’s new body of work draws upon allegory, iconography, feminist theory, psychology, and sci-fi through visual storytelling and object making, culminating in a symbolic space that disrupts our fragile and entangled socio-political fabric. Private view Friday 16th August 6pm-9pm.

Venue:
Moving Gallery, 27 Fawcett Street, Sunderland, SR1 1RE
Date:
Aug 17th 2024 - Aug 30th 2024
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 11:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Newcastle University MFA Fine Art & MA Creative Arts Practice degree show 2024

The Newcastle University Fine Art MFA Degree Show brings together the work of emerging artists at both the mid-point and the culmination of two years of study on the MFA. The exhibition includes a diverse set of contemporary voices, practices and media including painting, new media, film, video, sculpture, photography, print, sound, and installation.

Venue:
Hatton Gallery, The Quadrangle, University of Newcastle, 6 Kensington Terrace, Newcastle, NE1 7RU
Date:
Aug 17th 2024 - Aug 31st 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Summer ceramics Festival

Potters from all corners of the UK.

Venue:
Wild & Free Gallery, 3A Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay, NE26 3ND
Date:
Aug 18th 2024 - Sep 7th 2024
Opening Times:
Wed-Sat 09:30 - 17:00
Price:
Free

James Ray: Cuban Variarions

Inspired by his fascination of Cuban history, their culture, and his travels around Cuba, James Ray has put together a collection of work which includes collage and abstract impressionism. Using photographs taken in a guerrilla style (unwitting subjects), Cuban Variations offers a vision of contradiction against a backdrop of chaos and communism.

Venue:
Bottleworks, 8 Riverside Walk, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LX
Date:
Aug 22nd 2024 - Aug 27th 2024
Opening Times:
22nd - 27th Aug 2024 TBC
Price:
Free

Jonny Bainbridge: As Within So Without

Jonny’s new collection of abstract paintings examines the recurring familiar forms, mechanisms and similarities between the microcosm and the macrocosm and our place, as observing human beings, within it.

Venue:
Bottleworks, 8 Riverside Walk, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LX
Date:
Aug 22nd 2024 - Aug 27th 2024
Opening Times:
22nd - 27th Aug 2024 TBC
Price:
Free

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Fraternising with the enemy

Rubber Duck Factory is an artist collective designed to bring together creatives from around the North East. This exhibition gives students the opportunity to display work alongside neighbouring unis and showcase their work outside the university walls.

Venue:
Bottleworks, 8 Riverside Walk, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LX
Date:
Aug 30th 2024 - Sep 2nd 2024
Opening Times:
30th Aug - 2nd Sep 2024 TBC
Price:
Free

Matisse: Drawing with Scissors

An exhibition of 35 framed lithographic prints of Henri Matisse’s famous cut-out series. The works were produced towards the end of Matisse’s life and include examples from the Blue Nude series and The Snail.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Sep 7th 2024 - Nov 10th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Adult £10/child £6/under 5s Free

Eunice Oliver Routledge: Earthbound

Immerse yourself in the stunning work of Eunice Routledge. Inspired by seascapes and landscapes, her exploration of the natural world is transformed into evocative renderings through print and onto canvas.

Venue:
Hartlepool Art Gallery, The Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ
Date:
Sep 7th 2024 - Nov 9th 2024
Opening Times:
Tue-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Art Cares

Art Cares is a transformative exhibition showcasing care experienced young people’s art works. Previously displayed in bus shelters across the region as part of the Art Stops project, the art works will be brought together as a whole collection at Bishop Auckland Town Hall. Young people are at the forefront of this exhibition, their artworks expressing the thoughts and messages that these young people are passionate about; showcasing their diversity and shouting out to the world . . .“Art cares”

Venue:
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP
Date:
Sep 11th 2024 - Nov 30th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Invisible Visible

Being disabled can feel akin to being both invisible and hyper visible, without ever really feeling seen. Invisible Visible invites an unflinching foray into the individual and collective experiences of those with disabilities in the workplace, illustrating the stories that need to be centred in order to incite change towards a better world. This exhibition details seven unique and anonymous first-hand accounts of being disabled in the workplace, translated into visual language to incite conversations around a topic that is too often treated as taboo. With unabashed honesty the collection chronicles a narrative forgone by wider society, and which challenges the very foundation of our relationship with both work and disability.

Venue:
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP
Date:
Sep 11th 2024 - Nov 30th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Mali Morris: Returning

The largest exhibition to date by this renowned British abstract painter, who studied at the Department of Fine Art, University of Newcastle, from 1963 -1968. She is best known for her use of fresh, vibrant colour, her paintings noted for their luminosity and translucence, characterised by a lightness of touch. The show features around 50 key works spanning 45 years, tracing the development of her painting from the early gestural and stained pieces to the more recent geometric layering.

Venue:
Hatton Gallery, The Quadrangle, University of Newcastle, 6 Kensington Terrace, Newcastle, NE1 7RU
Date:
Sep 14th 2024 - Jan 11th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Peoplescapes – An exhibition by David Baillie

Some of the concerns covered in Baillie's work includes pollution, industrialisation, and how capitalism is affecting the planet and therefore us. He describes his work as ‘stylised realism’, using strong colours and tone to produce robust paintings, and he works from memory, source material, life, imagination, – combining things with ideas in a way that has been described as ‘a sort of cut and paste eclecticism’.

Venue:
Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
Date:
Sep 19th 2024 - Oct 26th 2024
Opening Times:
Mon 09:30 - 17:00 , Tue-Sat 09:30 - 20:00
Price:
Free

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Coalface Drawers

In October 1934, Robert Lyon arrived in Ashington for the first time to deliver a class on Art Appreciation to a group of local mine workers. What began as a series of slideshow lectures soon developed into a career defining project for Lyon and a lifelong passion for the soon-to-be ‘Ashington Art Group’. Reuniting artworks and artefacts back together where it all began in Ashington, ‘Coalface Drawers’ offers an exciting opportunity to revisit the beginnings of the Pitmen Painters project and to celebrate their innovation and vision anew, nine decades on.

Venue:
Woodhorn Museum , Queen Elizabeth 2nd Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF
Date:
Oct 5th 2024 - Jan 5th 2025
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
£9.50/£8.50/under 18s Free