About Jon Old

Personal Profile

Jon Studied Fine Art at Bristol Polytechnic and Sunderland Polytechnic gaining a B.A. Hons. He then completed a post grad in Painting Conservation at Gateshead Technical College. Subsequently he worked as a painting conservator for Tyne and Wear Museums for 20 years and as Conservation Manager at the Bowes Museum until 2018. He conserved a large range of paintings from Gauguin’s ‘The Shepherdess’ at the Laing Art Gallery, and the 17th century Belgian altarpiece by the Master of Saint Gudule, at the Bowes Museum. While a conservator he retained his love of painting, especially artists’ techniques. Although restricted by refurbishing houses, a busy work schedule and the England Cricket team he managed to continue to draw and produce small paintings.

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Since retiring from full time work, he has found time to take up painting again. His major subject matter is the North East Coast; its different moods and ability to produce a feeling of calm and contemplation. The lighthouses can be seen as symbols of protection and solidity in a world of constant change.

Smaller works are usually of North East landscapes inspired by walks, and domestic scenes/still lives.

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The majority of the works are in oil paint on a range of supports, including canvas, boards and panels.