AN art gallery will be getting the New Year off to an exciting start with a joint exhibition of new work by two of Hartlepool’s most respected artists.

The exhibition, which will run from Saturday, January 11 to Saturday, March15, will feature pieces by Robert ‘Bob’ Watson and John Edwin Wigston.

Mr Watson, a former head of creative studies at Hartlepool Sixth Form College, has produced many paintings and large-scale murals for schools, industry and public areas in recent years, including for the English Martyrs and Ward Jackson schools.

While Mr Wigston started to seriously pursue art when he took evening classes at Hartlepool College of Art, where Mr Watson was one of his tutors, and he had his first solo exhibition at the Gray Art Gallery in 1970.

Clare Irvine, Hartlepool Council’s arts and events manager, said: “Bob and John have both earned considerable reputations for the quality, depth and range of their work and we are privileged to host this joint exhibition of their new pieces.

“We are especially delighted that they also going to share their experiences and techniques with members of the public in the art sessions – these are fascinating opportunities for new and experienced artists alike.”

The Art Gallery, which is in Church Square, is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.

People are also welcome to attend a special preview of the exhibition on Friday, January 10 from 7pm to 9pm, when there will be short talks by the two artists.

For more information about these events call Ashley Landsbury on 01429-284278 or email ashley.landsbury@hartlepool.gov.uk