Social Portraits from the North East of England

Two distinct artistic perspectives on everyday life in the North East of England: Works by documentary photographer Tish Murtha (1956–2013) meet extraordinary portrait photographs by Kuba Ryniewicz. The work of both artists is closely intertwined with the region surrounding the two major cities of Newcastle and Gateshead, which lie across from each other north and south of the River Tyne, respectively, and are connected by numerous bridges. Both cities flourished during the Industrial Revolution and experienced economic decline in the second half of the 20th century. Tish Murtha, who was born and raised in the region, documented the life of the working class through the changing times with striking and honest imagery. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is exhibiting works from four key series by the photographer: Elswick Kids (1978), Elswick Revisited (1987–91), Save Scotswood Works (1979), and Youth Unemployment (1981). Her photographs serve as a stark reminder of the inequalities that continue to shape societies today.

Murtha’s works are presented alongside contemporary portrait photographs by Kuba Ryniewicz. The Newcastle-based artist explores the personal stories of local residents and the region’s history, combining them with elements of fashion photography. The exhibition features, among other works, pieces from the series Daily Weeding (2020–21), created during the COVID-19 pandemic, which depicts everyday life during this extraordinary time. Tish Murtha & Kuba Ryniewicz: Close to Home is on view from July 4, 2026, through April 4, 2027, at the Baltic Centre in Gateshead.