Latest news with #GatesheadCollege
The Guardian
11-05-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Brian Singer obituary
My wife's uncle, Brian Singer, who has died aged 74, was a university lecturer and one of the world's foremost experts in the science of art conservation. His most prestigious work was undertaken for the estate of Francis Bacon, a seven-year-long technical assessment from 2006 of more than 100 works, which, said his former colleague Justin Perry, 'made the job of forgers more difficult and the job of art historians and conservators easier'. Conservation treatment on paintings by Edvard Munch, including two versions of The Scream (1893 and 1910) and Madonna (1894), were based on Brian's research. One notable finding he delighted in was showing that Munch had left one of his paintings outside to dry, as one section of grey/white pigment proved to be bird droppings. He was born in West Ham, east London, to Ernest Singer, a welder, and Hannelore (nee Ebbing), who came to England from West Germany after meeting Ernest when he was part of the peacekeeping forces there. The family moved to the new town of Basildon in Essex, and then to nearby Billericay. Brian passed the 11-plus and went to Sweyne grammar school in Rayleigh, then Leeds University, receiving a first-class honours degree (1971) and a doctorate (1976), both in chemistry. He taught chemistry at Nelson and Colne College, Lancashire (1975-84), then moved to the north-east to take up a job teaching art conservation chemistry at Gateshead college. In 1990 he joined Newcastle Polytechnic, soon renamed Northumbria University, where he developed a research interest in the analysis of artists' materials, and taught students in the art conservation and applied sciences departments. His mentorship was delivered with warmth and attentiveness, said Perry. While at Northumbria, and after his retirement in 2012, Brian ran his own art conservation consultancy for more than 20 years, working with museums, auction houses and collectors across the world. Brian was a union man, acting as departmental rep for many years, and a Labour voter and member until 2023, when he left the party, writing to the Guardian about the treatment of the North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll. He was a keen fisherman, and loved playing the fiddle over pints of ale at the Fox and Hounds pub. But he said he was most proud of his daughters, Erica and Elsa, from his relationship with Veronica Killen. He met his wife, Dot (nee Harris), in 1999 and they married in 2002. In later years he became deputy chair of Riding Mill parish council, campaigning to get a football pitch reinstated and for updated play equipment. He is survived by Dot, Erica and Elsa, two brothers, Ken and Robert, and a sister, Ann.
BBC News
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Three months of Pride events return to North East this summer
The North East will once again host a summer of Pride celebrations, following a successful run of events last Gateshead and South Tyneside will host separate Pride festivals from June until the end of Darrant, chair of the charity Out North East, said organisers were looking forward to "delivering three memorable months of events". The series of events will begin in Sunderland on 7 June, and will come to a close on 30 August with a concert in Gateshead. David Alexander, principal and chief executive of Gateshead College, said this year's event was taking place in a "very special year", marking the 80th anniversary of said the 2024 event had been "truly inspiring" and brought together "so many people from our communities in a celebration of diversity". Pride In Sunderland will launch the summer of celebrations on 7 June at the city's Bridges shopping taking place across the month include drag bingo film screenings and Carl Austin-Behan OBE talking about his life as an advocate for LGBTQ+ military Sunderland festival will culminate with a concert in Keel Square on 28 will then move to South Tyneside in July, with a dog show and a concert among the planned activities. The Gateshead festival will kick off on 2 August at the Metrocentre, taking Pride activities into their third of the festival will include a town centre takeover, a bowling tournament and the 5k-colour run. Local authorities have welcomed the return of Pride Alison Smith, portfolio holder for corporate services and equalities at Sunderland City Council, said she was "proud to see another great celebration".Councillor Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, said the local authority was "delighted" to see the event's comeback. "Events like these allow people of all backgrounds to come together in unity, solidarity and friendship, embrace and celebrate our wonderful LGBTQ+ community and promote a culture of acceptance, inclusivity and diversity," said Dixon. Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said it was going to be "another really exciting month" for the town. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
