ALEXANDER MILLAR PRODUCES NEW WORK IN SUPPORT OF THEATRE ROYAL

Renowned artist Alexander Millar has produced a new oil painting, featuring his infamous ‘gadgie’ in support of Newcastle Theatre Royal. The painting entitled ‘My Way’ will be sold in a silent auction with a percentage of the proceeds raised going to the Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust. The silent auction will be launched at a special event starring Alexander Millar at the Theatre Royal in January next year. Alexander Millar is one of the UK's most popular contemporary artists. His paintings, collected by art lovers and celebrities across the globe, are inspired by the working men and women of Britain. Adopted Geordie, Millar, grew up in the small mining community of Springside, just outside the town of Kilmarnock on the west coast of Scotland. He moved to Newcastle in 1980 and now, almost 35 years later, still resides in the city and works from a studio in Jesmond. Millar’s paintings are based on images remembered from his childhood when his father worked at British Rail. Growing up, a young Millar, was surrounded by the archetypal ‘working man’, the men who worked in the industries that built Britain. He also draws inspiration from local Tyneside ‘Gadgies’. Celebrating the industries of the North East, Millar even has his very own ‘gadgie’ model Peter, who regularly poses for Millar’s paintings. From humble beginnings, Millar, an entirely self-taught artist spent, years developing his own style in art and his work can now command in excess of £60,000. The ‘Gadgie’ takes centre stage in Millar’s new piece, ‘My Way’, which he has proudly produced in support of Newcastle Theatre Royal. Alexander Millar said: “Ever since I can remember I've wanted to be on stage acting or performing in one way or another. My father had other ideas… ” No son of mine is going to be an actor; your uncle Peter has got you a job on the building sites". As twists of fate go I now find myself as an artist having the opportunity of painting a scene of my extraordinary/ordinary working man character on stage in arguably the most beautiful theatre in the UK. In preparation for this painting I had the chance to tread the boards of this wonderful institution which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I thought of all the great actors that had stood where I was now standing.” When asked how he decided upon a title for the painting, Millar continued: “After the painting was finished I gazed at it and saw a lot of myself in what I had painted for the desire for me to still be an actor lingers on; however here was this flat capped icon of the working classes on stage himself in the spotlight performing to a packed audience. I have decided to call the painting ‘My Way’ because in everyone there is a desire to follow a dream and make it a reality. I hope that the original and limited edition print of ‘My Way’ will raise lots of money to help support such a wonderful venue to entertain us in the years to come.” The silent auction for the ‘My Way’ oil painting will be launched at a free event taking place at the Theatre Royal on the 13 January 2014. At the event audiences will hear Millar talking about his journey from the building sites of Glasgow to his acclaimed paintings, exhibitions and celebrity collectors, and he will also be painting live on stage. As well as the original oil, ‘My Way’, two additional original pieces; a charcoal and a pencil sketch, will be auctioned on the night plus one lucky audience member will receive a signed limited edition print of ‘My Way’. There will also be a question and answer session with the audience, giving fans and art newbies alike a rare opportunity to engage with the world renowned artist in an intimate environment. The auction for the star of the show, ‘My Way’ original oil, launches on the evening and will run for just two weeks. The auction will be hosted by Castle Fine Art, situated not far from the Theatre Royal, on Grey Street. Washington Green, owners of Castle Fine Art, galleries will donate a percentage of the proceeds raised from the auction to the Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust, as well as a percentage of any sales of the limited edition prints of ‘My Way’. The winner of the silent auction will not only receive the Alexander Miller original painting, but will be supporting a great venue, important to Newcastle, in the process. Glyn Washington, founder of art publisher Washington Green said: “Alexander is incredibly popular in the north-east and we as an organisation have a long running relationship with the city. After Millar’s museum exhibition at the Great North Museum: Hancock two years ago, Newcastle was the natural choice to open our flagship gallery for the north, Castle Fine Art. And now, to be able to partner with the Theatre Royal and support the fantastic work they do in the region is a fantastic honour for us.” Philip Bernays, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Alexander felt inspired by the beauty of our theatre. The support from Alexander and Washington Green is very gratefully received and we’re excited that it has been offered in such a rousing and inspirational way. Castle Fine Art is just a stone’s throw away from the theatre and it’s great to be able to work together on what will be a great event!” The Silent Auction Launch with Alexander Millar takes place on Monday 13 January at 6.30pm running until 7.45pm. The event is free but will be ticketed. Tickets can be reserved via the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk