Northern School of Art student exhibition

A-level students from The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus have created a dynamic display of artwork inspired by the history of Ormesby Hall and stories of Ruth and Jim Pennyman. The works will be displayed in an exciting new exhibition in multiple rooms of Ormesby Hall from spring 2026.

The hall will become a temporary mini gallery, and visitors can expect to see a showcase featuring photography, ceramics, textiles and painting.   

The library space will be dedicated to host students' photography and ceramics work, which is directly inspired by the stories of the Pennyman family and their life at Ormesby Hall. The students have overlaid images that are reminiscent of the Hall - from close-ups of textile designs that feature in the rooms at Ormesby Hall,  to excerpts from diaries from the collection - culminating in diverse and striking imagery. 

The laundry room will showcase original fabric panels created by students and inspired by different themes prevalent to Ormesby Hall's rich history. Each piece has been created collaboratively using a number of mediums and skills resulting in a diverse range of unique expressions of history in a contemporary form.  

Ormesby Hall is open Thursdays – Mondays, 10.30am – 4, last entry into the house at 2.45pm to close at 3.30pm. Normal admission applies to visit Ormesby Hall and there is no need to book to visit.