The Zurbaran paintings

Jacob and his twelve sons by Francisco de Zurbarán, 1598 – 1664

Those who know and love the Angel of the North in Gateshead will appreciate the power that art has to transcend the everyday concerns of ordinary people. These huge paintings have a similar power. They were acquired by the (then) Bishop of Durham in 1756 to lament the failure of the lawmakers to grant freedom from oppression for the Jews in England. The Church of England fought for this freedom, and although it failed then, it was a victory delayed, not lost.

These pictures tell a story: that oppression can be lifted, deprivation can be alleviated. The North East of England needs cheering up! These pictures have been given, and they now need to be owned, to be an encouragement to the good things to come in the area.