One of the North East’s leading contemporary art galleries, Hancock Gallery, is proud to announce an exclusive exhibition showcasing the creative talents of Year 13 students from The Royal Grammar School (RGS), Newcastle.
The exhibition will run from Friday 26th September, following a special preview evening on Thursday 25th September, inviting guests to celebrate the next generation of artistic talent.
The partnership between Hancock Gallery and RGS Newcastle is a vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination and technical skill. From evocative paintings to experimental installations and mixed media pieces, the show reflects the breadth of ideas and perspectives explored by RGS students.
Curated in collaboration with RGS, Newcastle’s esteemed Art Department, NEW HORIZONS aims not only to provide a professional platform for emerging artists but also to strengthen the vital link between education and the local art community.
“For our students, exhibiting their work alongside iconic artists such as Banksy, Damien Hirst, Sir Peter Blake and Salvador Dalí in a professional gallery is not only an extraordinary honour - it is a transformative experience.
Opportunities like this ignite ambition, build confidence, and deepen our students' love of learning. At RGS Newcastle, we are committed to unlocking each student’s potential, and this exhibition is a powerful reflection of that mission.” - Geoffrey Stanford, Headmaster of RGS Newcastle
A Night of Creative Discovery
The preview evening, taking place on Thursday 25th September, promises to be an engaging night of artistic discovery. Students, parents, staff and RGS patrons are invited to attend, with refreshments provided by local delicatessen Black’s Corner, who are housed in Fenwick’s Food Hall.
The partnership presented by Hancock Gallery Manager, Chris Morgan, hopes to encourage a greater engagement with younger people at the earliest stages of their artistic development and aims to help students build confidence and articulate their creative process.
“We’re thrilled to open our doors to these exceptionally talented young people,” said Morgan. “At Hancock Gallery, we believe in nurturing emerging artists from all backgrounds, and this collaboration with RGS is a natural extension of that mission.
I’ve had the chance to work closely with this group and I hope visitors will be as inspired as I have been by the artistic insight, technical skill and emotional intelligence on display in the students’ work.” - Chris Morgan, Gallery Manager
From jewellery to sculpture as well as traditional and modern techniques, the exhibition will feature a wealth of creative responses to complex and often deeply personal themes.
“This exhibition is a unique opportunity for our pupils to see their work hanging in a professional, commercial gallery — a real milestone in their artistic journeys. Many of our students find real inspiration during their visits to Hancock Gallery, especially through the chance to engage with art world professionals like gallerist Chris Morgan.
This enriching experience has been made possible thanks to Mrs Egan-Fowler, Teacher of Art at RGS Newcastle, whose longstanding connections within the region's art scene are truly remarkable.” - Mr Mason, Head of Art, RGS Newcastle
The Artists Behind the Work
Among the standout works on display is Sam P’s kinetic sculpture, a striking piece that blends engineering with artistic illusion. Inspired by his long-standing passion for cycling, his art explores motion, memory and the mechanics of perception.
“I have always ridden bikes, and that is what inspired me to explore movement within my art," Sam explained. Reflecting on the upcoming exhibition, he said: "It's exciting. I can't wait to share my art with the public."
Also featured are the striking drawings of aspiring Opera singer Jesdina D, who has carefully intertwined her emotional perception of sound and the feeling of singing through materials such as charcoal and ink.
“The series of paintings I’ve chosen to exhibit portrays me in the midst of singing, capturing the emotion and energy of each moment. Having spent many years singing, I wanted to create work that expresses my passion for both Art and Music, and it has been an exciting and fulfilling project.”
Jesdina continues, “I feel grateful to have my work exhibited in a prestigious contemporary art gallery; it is an amazing opportunity. I’m thrilled to be part of what’s sure to be a fantastic showcase of my year group's creativity.”
The exhibition also includes conceptual pieces that experiment with jewellery making, and performance, reflecting the diverse practices taught at RGS and the school’s focus on critical thinking through art.
“We try to challenge our students not just to make something that looks good, but to ask questions — about society, about themselves, about the world they’re inheriting,” noted Mrs Egan-Fowler. “This show is testament to their ability to do just that.”
Building Confidence and Aspiration
For many of the students involved, this will be their first experience exhibiting work in a public, professional setting. That experience, say both teachers and gallery staff, is invaluable.
“When students see their work framed, spotlit and given space on the gallery wall, it takes them outside their sketchbooks,” added Morgan. “It’s not just about the art — it’s about building confidence, pride and aspiration. These are the kinds of moments that change how a young person sees their future.”
A Community Celebration
Beyond the students themselves, the exhibition is also a celebration of local collaboration. Hancock Gallery, housed in a Georgian townhouse in the heart of Newcastle, is known for its commitment to supporting both established and emerging artists. The gallery plays host to exhibitions featuring names such as local painter Sam Wood, local street artist MUL, respected national artists such as Mark Demsteader, international artists like Ron Hicks and SJ Fuerst, and world renowned artists such as Banksy and Salvador Dali.
The gallery’s educational outreach programme continues to grow, with this RGS exhibition forming part of a wider mission to make art more accessible to young people.
“Art is for everyone,” said Morgan. “Whether you’re an A-level student, a professional artist, or someone who collects art, our aim is to create a space where creativity is valued and voices are heard.”
Founded in 1525, RGS Newcastle was voted the North East’s leading independent school in the Tes Schools Awards 2025, and is renowned for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a thriving co-curricular programme. As RGS proudly celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2025, it continues a long tradition of nurturing both intellectual and creative achievement. The Art Department, in particular, has seen recent alumni progress to prestigious institutions such as Central Saint Martins, Edinburgh College of Art and Glasgow School of Art.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition Title: NEW HORIZONS: RGS at Hancock Gallery
Preview Evening: Thursday 25th September, 6pm – 8.30pm (RSVP only)
Public Opening: Friday 26th September – Saturday 27th September
Venue: Hancock Gallery, 2 Jesmond Road West, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PQ
Admission: Free
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
For more information, RSVP enquiries or press interviews, please contact:
info@hancockgallery.co.uk or call 0191 241 0442
