Celebration by David Hughes

Event description

Celebration – A collection of art work by artist David Hughes, MBE

Exhibition in The Granary from 20th November – 20th December 2025

As he prepares to celebrate his milestone 100th birthday, local artist and writer David Hughes, MBE is showing a selection of his paintings to support his local NHS Charity.

David, from Houghton-Le-Spring, discovered a passion for art aged 60. Following the loss of his beloved wife May, he converted a room in his home into a studio and taught himself to paint.

Despite having a stroke in 2024 David continued to produce amazing artworks. He began painting with watercolours, eventually adapting his style when he developed age-related macular degeneration – an eye condition that affects central vision.

David credits Sunderland Royal Hospital with twice saving his life. As a gesture of thanks, David donated a selection of his paintings to support STS Charity, the dedicated charity of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, some of which are on display as part of this exhibition.

“Fifeteen years ago, I had a pacemaker fitted, and more recently, a stroke that left me unable to speak or move. Thanks to the incredible care I received at Sunderland Royal Hospital, I’m still here. I’ve been committed to supporting charities since my retirement, and now I’m using my art to give back in my own way.”

Due to his visual impairment, David no longer uses watercolours. He instead creates striking pieces on black paper using white and coloured chalk, one of the reasons he wanted to support STS Charity’s Vision Appeal with a donation of some of his art work.

David, who was awarded the MBE in 2016 for decades of dedicated charity work and was named PRIDE of Wearside, is also an author of seven books and an active member of two local art clubs.

Cards and prints featuring David’s work will be available to buy during the exhibition. Money raised will benefit the Charity’s Stroke Unit fund and Vision Appeal.

STS Charity is the dedicated charity of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, supporting our health, care and communities.

To find out more visit Our Charity :: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

• Please note that The Granary is a multi-use space, and the exhibition may not always be accessible. If you’re planning a visit specifically to view the exhibition, we recommend confirming availability in advance by calling 0191 561 3455 or emailing acw@sunderland.gov.uk.