The project involves conserving the historic and architectural elements of the Grade II listed building while creating a modern exhibition space. Plans include enhancing the Edwardian splendour of the entrance foyer, improved visitor facilities such as more seating areas and introducing flexible facilities to display the gallery’s distinctive permanent collection, as well as improved lighting and more efficient environmental controls.

There will also be a new dedicated multi-purpose learning space where students, community groups and researchers can engage with collections and archive material. The picture store will also be rebuilt and enlarged to ensure the Hatton’s extensive collection is preserved for future generations.

The funding will also go towards urgent conservation and better interpretation of the iconic Merz Barn Wall by Kurt Schwitters, one of the most significant figures in 20th century art. The wall was brought to the gallery in 1965 and incorporated into the fabric of the building.

Founded in 1925, the Hatton Gallery has been at the heart of cultural life in the North East for nearly a century and has an illustrious history. As part of Newcastle University’s Fine Art department, it has been at the forefront of British contemporary art for decades; during the 1950s and 60s its teaching staff included pop-art pioneer Richard Hamilton and leading British abstract artist Victor Pasmore, and it is currently showing ‘Space Stations’ – a collection of drawings by Anthony Gormley.

Ivor Crowther, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, said: “Based in an architecturally impressive listed Edwardian building, the Hatton Gallery is now set to be transformed into a vibrant public space, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Once completed, people will be able to learn about and enjoy the Hatton’s varied and nationally important collections and take part in the numerous activities and training opportunities that will be on offer.

“The partnership between Newcastle University and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums is a particularly strong one and we know that together they will make this project a huge success cementing the gallery’s status as a major cultural and heritage resource in the North East.”

Professor Richard Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Internationalisation at Newcastle University, added: “This is fantastic news for the Hatton Gallery and will help increase participation in learning, training and volunteering, enabling more people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and engage with art.”

Eric Cross, Dean of Cultural Affairs at Newcastle University, said: “The Hatton's history is entwined with some of the most influential artists of the 20th century and offers visitors a distinctive experience. This funding allows us to offer new and exciting opportunities for visitors, artists and students, strengthening the Hatton’s significance and reputation for contemporary art, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

Iain Watson, Director, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: “The Hatton has an important role in the cultural landscape of Newcastle and as part of Newcastle University has had a pioneering role in the history of art teaching. This funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund along with the other grants and donations we have secured will enable Newcastle University and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums to ensure the Hatton continues to be a vibrant and exciting gallery long into the future.” 

The HLF award is the latest in a high-profile public fundraising campaign which was launched in November 2013 with Bryan Ferry CBE, a 1968 Newcastle Fine Art graduate, as its patron. The Hatton Future campaign has secured support from individuals, trusts and foundations including the Friends of the Hatton, the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust, the Shears Foundation, the Sir James Knott Trust and the Ridley Family Trust, as well as the family of Victor Pasmore.

The campaign also received support from Sir Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate, who re-affirmed the Hatton’s importance and his endorsement of the refurbishment plans during a visit to the gallery earlier this year.

The Hatton’s diverse collection includes over 3,000 works from the 14th – 20th centuries with extensive archive material including paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings and textiles, and material connected to the history of the gallery, such as exhibition posters designed and printed in the art school.

Today the collection and archive are in active use for teaching by staff and students at Newcastle University. It is also a rich resource for schools, colleges, outreach groups and researchers locally, nationally and internationally. Its quality and significance is evidenced by frequent loans to other national and international institutions.

The Hatton Gallery is managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on behalf of Newcastle University.

Notes to editors

About the Hatton Gallery

Founded in 1925 and named in honour of Professor Richard George Hatton, professor of what was then the King Edward VII School of Art, Armstrong College, Durham University. He subsequently became Head of the Department of Fine Art at Newcastle University.

The Hatton Gallery receives over 30,000 visitors per year.

The gallery is home to Kurt Schwitter’s Merz Barn wall which was brought to the gallery in 1965 and incorporated into the fabric of the building.

The Hatton’s painting collection includes works from the 14th century to the present day. Key pieces include work by Francis Bacon, Richard Hamilton, Palma Giovane, Thomas Bewick, Eduardo Paolozzi, Camillo Procaccini, Patrick Heron, William Roberts, Victor Pasmore and Richard Ansdell. Watercolours by Wyndham Lewis, Thomas Hair and Robert Jobling are also held.

The first School of Art at Newcastle University was established in 1838 and it has consistently maintained an excellent reputation as one of the UK leading centres for art education. Many distinguished artists have been associated with Newcastle, either as students or as teachers.

About the Schwitters Merz Barn Wall

The Merz Barn Wall is part of a construction created by German artist Kurt Schwitters in a Lake District barn in 1947-8. The Elterwater Merz Barn was based on the idea of collage, in which found items are incorporated into an art work. Schwitters applied a rough layer of decorator's plaster and paint over these found objects, giving the three dimensional collage an abstract quality. The barn was designed as a permanent structure, somewhere Schwitters could exhibit existing work. When he died in January 1948 it was left unfinished. In 1965, the Wall was given to Newcastle University who undertook its removal, restoration and preservation.

Further information

Newcastle University press office: Dawn Tudge, email: dawn.tudge@ncl.ac.uk, tel: 0191 208 5669.

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums: Caireen Hart, email: caireen.hart@twmuseums.org.uk tel: 0191 277 2169.