George Horton: Artworks from the Collection

Free, drop in.

George Horton, a self-taught artist from South Shields, became one of the most renowned painters of the North East in the early 1900s, celebrated for his watercolours of coastal scenes. Despite a challenging upbringing and no formal training, his talent earned him spots in prestigious exhibitions, including the Royal Academy and the Paris Salon.

Horton’s artistic journey began with determined practice, sketching old works at his local library despite his father’s disapproval. An early fascination with portraiture led him to acquire a human skull for anatomical studies, which resulted in his estrangement from home at seventeen.

A move to South Shields marked a new chapter, where he found support through his marriage. A transformative honeymoon to Holland sparked his lifelong passion for the Dutch landscape, inspiring countless sketching trips.

While beloved in France and Holland, Horton struggled to gain wider recognition in England, partly due to his late entry into the London art scene. Nevertheless, his devotion to art remained unwavering throughout his 68-year career, painting purely for the love of his craft.

This exhibition offers a chance to rediscover Horton’s legacy and celebrate the passion and perseverance of George Horton.