Christmas trade helping to support gallery

An art gallery in Newcastle city centre is asking Christmas shoppers to help support the venue by buying one of their Christmas presents from the gallery shop. Julie Milne, Chief Curator at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle city centre, explained: “All the profits from our shop go back into funding the Laing’s exhibitions, events, our work with schools and help to keep the gallery open. “In today’s tough economic climate, people don’t have much cash to spare but I hope that by paying a visit to our shop, they’ll be able to do their Christmas shopping and support the Laing Art Gallery at the same time.” The Laing Art Gallery shop stocks a large range of designer jewellery, including handmade pieces and jewellery by local artists. Visitors can also pick up stocking fillers for kids, homewares and accessories, and can browse the bookshelves which are filled with titles on art, craft, design and local history. The Laing is also selling a number of limited edition prints by illustrator Quentin Blake, including some signed works. Julie Milne said: “We have framed prints of Quentin Blake’s illustrations from some of Roald Dahl’s books including the BFG, The Twits and Matilda available for sale in the shop. They would make a truly special present and we’re very excited to have them in stock.” The shop is opening for one extra day per week in the lead up to Christmas and is now open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 2pm to 5pm.