Art Gallery of Northumberland

June 15, 1960 saw the opening of the Cobourg Art Gallery. At the time one of 10 public art galleries in Ontario. (There are now 32.)

The new art gallery was established under the aegis of the Cobourg Public Library, itself only recently coming under the Public Libraries Act of the Province and modernization. The library was housed in a building on the main street (now Tugg’s Furniture) and the space set aside for the art gallery was at the back of the building.

The first display consisted of a series of reproduction paintings from the Sienese School, and took place in a small, freshly painted, room at the rear of the building. The show continued through the summer months and was well attended.

The collection at present consists of over 800 works of art valued in excess of $2,000,000. This collection includes works of local, regional, national and international significance, predominantly by Canadian artists.

The historical pieces focus on the development of Northumberland County through portraits of noted citizens, landscapes, depicting this area and other related pieces. There is also a collection of 20th century paintings, sculptures and works on paper. Overall the AGN maintains one of the best collections of art in a small town public gallery in Ontario.

In 2000 the Upstairs Gallery, a branch of the AGN was established in a suite of rooms on the second floor of an office building at 38 Walton Street, in Port Hope. Our Resource Centre and Archives, including an extensive library of art-related books, journals and exhibition catalogues and an art rental program are located in this branch. This resource is freely accessible to the general public.

In 2001 the AGN established a programme of rotating portions of its permanent collection to public facilities such as Northumberland Hills Hospital, Town of Cobourg Municipal Offices, County of Northumberland administrative offices, County Public Libraries, Cobourg Police Services and the local MPP’s Office.

In 2004 the AGN facilitated the feasibility study that would establish the Northumberland Arts Council (2006).

The AGN maintains an active exhibition program throughout the year and additional information is available from the Gallery office.

Photo Credit: http://galleryfinder.ca/system/files/styles/photograph/private/organizations/photos/northumberland.jpg?itok=-Q2Yhr4S

Text Credit: http://www.artgalleryofnorthumberland.com/about-history.htm