A new exhibition at The Granary Gallery will uncover the story of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s connection to one of Britain’s most significant art collections.

Berwick’s Own Burrell Collection – A Gift to the Town brings together a selection of works gifted to Berwick by renowned art collectors Sir William Burrell and Lady Constance Burrell, alongside the story of their relationship with the town.

The exhibition has been curated by The Maltings and a team of Berwick Barracks volunteers and will offer audiences an insight into a part of Berwick’s cultural history. Several of the works featured will later be displayed as part of the new museum at Berwick Barracks, which is due to open in autumn 2027.

James Lowther, Head of Visual Arts at The Maltings, said: “It’s exciting to start sharing the story of Berwick’s connection with the Burrell Collection ahead of the new museum opening. This exhibition gives us the opportunity to introduce visitors to the collection now, while starting to build a relationship with the people who will become visitors to Berwick Barracks in the future.”

The exhibition also brings together the knowledge of The Maltings and local volunteers, whose research has helped uncover the story behind the collection and its place in Berwick’s history.

Volunteer Curator, said: “I have always been interested in the arts and in retirement moved to Berwick. I have come to love the town and co-curating this exhibition with its team of volunteers has given me the ideal opportunity to showcase Berwick to its visitors. It has been an interesting and rewarding experience involving researching the Burrell’s life, the collection given to the town and learning what it takes to put on an exhibition such as this. I hope our visitors are pleased with the results.”

Sir William Burrell had strong family connections to Northumberland and lived at Hutton Castle near Berwick. His relationship with the town was significant: in the 1940s, he and Lady Constance donated a selection of paintings and other objects, to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Burrell also helped establish the town’s first art gallery, which opened in 1949.

The exhibition explores this remarkable act of generosity and the people behind it, bringing together art, local history and the story of a collection that will soon have a permanent home at Berwick Barracks.

Berwick’s Own Burrell Collection – A Gift to the Town will be presented at The Maltings Granary Gallery, Berwick-upon-Tweed, from 31 October 2026 to 21 February 2027. The exhibition is curated by The Maltings and Berwick Barracks volunteers.

The Maltings (Berwick) Trust is a leading cultural organisation serving Berwick-upon-Tweed, North Northumberland and the eastern Scottish Borders.

October 2026:  Image credit: Arthur MacDonald: Harbour Scene, North East Museums on behalf of Northumberland County Council.