William John Crozier

Inspired by abstract impressionism, Glasgow-born artist William John Crozier has artworks in permanent collections all over the UK, from National Galleries Scotland to the Ulster Museum NI and Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge.

His bright, gestural paintings are instantly recognisable with their strong brush strokes and complimentary colours. Red Hill is an excellent example of Crozier’s work that was painted in 1963, the year he spent in Southern Spain, a time that would prove pivotal for his artistic career and development.

Sally Moore

Welsh artist Sally Moore now lives and works in London. Sunderland holds an early work by the artist from c.1983, when Moore was just 21, depicting a figure in a studio. Playing with perspective, pattern and colour, you can see the direct influence of Pierre Bonnard – an artist Moore studied closely as a student.

Confusing at first glance, this painting features paintings within a painting, creating a glimpse into a complex space where you notice more details the longer you look.

Read more about her work in this Story: https://artuk.org/discover/stories/sally-moore-painting-fictions-that-are-truer-than-fact

John Keith Vaughan

British painter John Keith Vaughan was one of the leading figures of Neo-Romanticism. A self taught artist, Vaughan first started exhibiting his work during World War II, when he also formed friendships with painters John Minton and Graham Sutherland.

Mykonos, Greece, painted in 1961, is one of the artist's later works, characterised by his move away from the figurative and towards abstraction. It was painted during his first visit to the archipelago, an island synonymous with LGBTQ+ nightlife.

J. D. Hopper

Hendon, one of the oldest suburbs in Sunderland, stems from the Old English name ‘Higna-denu’, roughly translating to mean ‘The Valley of the Monks’. Historically, this was also the site of ‘The Valley of Love’, where courting couples would stroll amongst the lush greenery and clear waters.

This scene has been brought to life by artist J. D Hopper, who captured the valley at golden hour, further intensifying the colours of the landscape. The Valley today is instead home to Backhouse Park and Hendon Valley Road.

John Falconer Slater

John Falconer Slater was a Northumbrian artist who exhibited widely in the area throughout his career. His works can now be found in permanent collections across the UK, including the Government Art Collection, the National Maritime Museum and The Shipley Art Gallery.

Seascape depicts a British coastal scene with choppy seas. Slater has perfectly captured the atmospheric pink clouds and the light bouncing off the water, with the fast-moving brushstrokes reminiscent of an impressionist landscape.

Rowland Suddaby

Rowland Suddaby was a Yorkshire born artist, predominantly known for his landscapes. Sunderland, however, owns a still life by Suddaby, featuring flowers and fruit. This brightly painted still life group comprises an ornate blue vase with a variety of flowers, a bowl and plate of fruit, and a glass bottle all on a table with a checkered tablecloth. The paintwork is executed in an effortless style, the plain colours of the background highlighting the contrasting and vibrant colours of the still life.

The artist exhibited frequently at Redfern Gallery in London, where he was regarded as an artist successor to Christopher Wood, due to his atmospheric and painterly style.