THIS year's annual Art Fund lecture at the Bowes Museum will examine British wood-engraved book illustration between the two world wars.

Artists such as Eric Gill, David Jones, Eric Ravilious and John Nash made a significant impact on the appearance of the printed page, transforming good books into works of art and influencing modern standards of book production.

At the same time, they and other engravers such as Robert Gibbings and Clare Leighton contributed to the creation of a romantic vision of Britain which was a crucial element of the cultural scene in the uncertain times leading up to the outbreak of war in 1939.

The lecture on Wednesday, March 11, will be given by Joanna Selborne, a leading authority on the subject.

The event, which is open to non Art Fund members, runs from 10.30am-2.30pm, with coffee on arrival and a two-course lunch with a glass of wine. Tickets cost £35. Contact Lesley Taylor on 01833 650789 or email lesleytaylor9@btinternet.com.

The Art Fund volunteer committees in the North raised £15,500 in 2014, to which the Durham and Cleveland committee contributed £7,500. The total nationally was £350,000. All the money raised goes towards helping museums and galleries acquire works of art.