Durham Sixth Form Centre proudly announced the formal opening of the brand new Dead Dog Gallery with an official launch and drinks reception. Special invited guests attended from arts organisations, the world of sports, businesses and the local community.  We were honoured to welcome Steve Cram CBE to officially open the gallery alongside CEO Ellen Beveridge. Steve’s events company were hosting the prestigious Durham City Run Festival that evening, our site forming part of the course.

During the speeches, Ellen welcomed everyone to the event, and asked guests to fill in the visitor book as a record for Durham Archives. She then discussed the story behind the naming of the gallery. Peter, the boxer dog, who was a very much loved part of school life from 1959-1971, first came to the school with the then Headmistress Miss Graham. His remains were found when excavating the site and halted the build for a while, so his legacy lives on in the naming of the gallery. 

Steve Cram, who is a great ambassador for the North East, commented on the work he’s been involved with in the development of Durham City and the wider county with the Culture Bid. He also mentioned that having places like the gallery that people can come to be inspired and showcase their talents is fantastic, both for our students and the wider community. He amused the guests with his warm and heartfelt speech and declared the gallery officially open by cutting the ribbon.

Guests were treated to wonderful displays from our community classes and works from previous artists in residence; Adam Wilson Holmes, Jack Warren, Lizzie Lovejoy, Qi Fang Colbert, Stan Bidston-Casey and Stuart Mel Wilson. Also works from designers in residence, Kane Wigham and Will Robinson.

They also each received a branded Dead Dog Gallery gift bag filled with goodies such as: branded mug, pencil, notebook, pin badge and stickers.
The gallery represents a bold step forward in our commitment to fostering artistic exploration and expression with current students and the wider community. The vision is to create an arts hub for County Durham and beyond that is open to the public, accessible, free to all and fills the current gap in contemporary/commercial arts practice in Durham City. We are planning an annual programme of events including further exhibitions from our Artist in Residence and Designer In Residence programmes alongside works from our students, community classes and our partners.