A County Durham gallery is showcasing some of the region’s finest creative talents in a record-breaking, free exhibition.

The Winter Exhibition, at No. 42, Bishop Auckland, has attracted double the usual number of submissions, with 42 artworks selected to go on display.

In total 19 artists from across County Durham have contributed vast and vibrant oil paintings, delicate watercolours and sumptuous textile work to create the gallery’s largest exhibition to date.

The featured artwork includes a six-foot long triptych, a powerful abstract piece in contrasting tones from Wolsingham-based painter and printmaker Allan Archibald, who became a full-time artist after working as an art teacher for more than 30 years.

And award-winning Sedgefield photographer, Chris Webb whose work captures light and darkness to highlight the unique atmosphere of the North East’s land, sea and sky.

No. 42 encourages local artists to display and sell their work at various exhibitions held throughout the year, part of The Auckland Project, it also features a separate shop space, offering creatives from across the region a platform to sell their work.

Bishop Auckland artist, Anne Pinkney has sold her artwork at No. 42 since it opened in 2012 and will return for this exhibition with delicate and characterful watercolour paintings of geese and rural farm birds.

And Alison Hill, who has previously exhibited sculpture and charcoal drawings at the site in Bishop Auckland Market Place, has turned her hand to textile art for the latest showcase with a vibrant pop-art inspired piece.

Alison said: “No. 42 has been a launching point for my career, the exhibitions give up and coming artists the opportunity to get some recognition.”

Jackie Stonehouse, No. 42 Manager, said: “We have been bowled over by the standard of the work submitted for our Winter Exhibition.

“And to have received a record number of submissions is a fantastic way to tie up what has been a wonderful year so far.”

Winter Exhibition at No. 42, Bishop Auckland Market Place is now open to Saturday, December 23, the gallery is free to enter and is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

For more information email no42@aucklandproject.org call 01388 660 270 or visit aucklandproject.org