Turner exhibition reopens in Newcastle following gallery repairs after 'water ingress'
The Turner exhibition in Newcastle has reopened following its temporary closure.
The news was announced on Thursday morning by Laing Art Gallery, where the large-scale Turner: Art, Industry & Nostalgia exhibition is running until September. The major display which includes the loan of J.M.W Turner's 1839 painting The Fighting Temeraire - classed as one of the nation's greatest treasures - had been forced to close to visitors due a water issue in the building caused by the run of bad weather.
Heavy rain at the weekend caused 'water ingress' in the building, it said, and, while the artworks were protected from damage, its major summer show had to close while the city gallery worked with Newcastle City Council to organise urgent repairs to the roof. Now, as it reopens this Thursday, visitors no doubt will be back in their droves.
Read more: The nine Laing artworks on show at 10 Downing Street
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To date, the exhibition, which launched at the gallery in May, has attracted around 15,000 visitors, keen to see its highlight piece The Fighting Temeraire, on loan here from the National Gallery in London. There is much more on show too, with a range of other work by Turner as well as a wide selection by other artists which explores the rise of steam power and industry in Britain.
The exhibition runs until September 7 and tickets are being made available at a special reduced price, thanks to gallery funders and sponsorship support, to ensure, says the gallery, "that as many people as possible can see this national treasure in Newcastle". They cost £5, or £7 with a donation to the gallery.
Concessions are available at £4 and under-21s can visit for free. For the full range of price options see here. Tickets can be bought on the day with no need for pre-booking.
Among the upcoming ticketed events at the gallery which tie in with the exhibition and can be booked online is a talk this Thursday about Early Tyne Tug Boats. This will be followed by one on The Fighting Temeraire on August 1 and Art and Industry on August 21.