ART
Roseberry Topping is without doubt one of our most iconic local landmarks , and landscape photographer Joe Cornish is as passionate about it as even the most fervent Teessider .
This gallery tops the lot
Joe Cornish has been at the forefront of British landscape photography for over 30 years , working freelance with both the National Trust and Visit Britain , and he has been an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society since 2008 .
Anybody who loves images of our local landscapes will have come across Joe ’ s increasingly collectable work on greetings cards , in books , publications , or at the Joe Cornish Gallery in Northallerton .
The gallery , situated in a Grade-II listed building dating back to 1736 , is full of character . It ’ s well worth a visit in its own right and was built to house the original Registry of Deeds for the North Riding of Yorkshire .
Filled with all the alcoves , nooks and crannies that you would expect in a building of the period , the staff work hard to marry the character of the building with a warm and welcoming feel .
The gallery and the art , which is set over two floors , is accessible and whether you are wanting to buy art , browse the gallery shop , visit the cafe and courtyard or just enjoy the beautiful images on display , you ’ re sure of a warm welcome .
Located just off the bustling high street in Northallerton , amongst the images on display are a number of large format prints of the North-East landscape .
There is an eclectic mix of images representing both the industrial heritage and the beautiful countryside that encapsulates Teesside .
It is a reflection of the interest people have in their local landscape that these images represent the majority of pictures sold and that images featuring Roseberry Topping are the most requested .
Joe said : “ Roseberry Topping is a hill full of charisma and character and the environment surrounding its slopes is truly varied .
“ It was one of the reasons I chose to live and have my studio in Great Ayton as I was inspired by the example of Ansel Adams , who lived and photographed for a number of years in Yosemite National Park . I
The iconic Roseberry Topping is one of Joe Cornish ’ s most photographed Tees landmarks .
understood that to really become a landscape photographer it was necessary to be in the landscape .
“ Like any landscape photographer , I thrive on the changes to the season that come with living in the British Isles . Our elusive and restless weather and the dramatically differing lengths of the day as we move from midsummer to midwinter then back again mean that no day is quite like any other .
“ Wherever I go in the country , though , I am always drawn back to the area where I have lived for the past 25 years .
“ The landscape around Roseberry Topping is my local patch , my natural habitat and the profound seasonal changes of Britain ’ s climate are perfectly reflected here .”
Joe Cornish Gallery , Zetland Street , Northallerton DL6 1NA T . 01609 777404 Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm .
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