Imagine a love story told through brushstrokes, a life celebrated in color and form. That's precisely what's happening at Ushaw Historic House in County Durham. A powerful retrospective exhibition is shining a light on the extraordinary work of Tom Hume, a former art teacher from Stockton, whose artistic journey spanned over six decades. But this isn't just any art show; it's a deeply personal tribute co-curated by Barbara Hume, Tom's widow, who dedicated two years to bringing her late husband's vision to life.
Tom Hume, who sadly passed away in 2023 at the age of 81 after a cardiac arrest while swimming in Seaham Harbour, left behind a rich tapestry of artistic creations. His work encompassed a wide range of styles and subjects, from striking portraits and figurative studies to captivating abstract pieces. The exhibition at Ushaw showcases the breadth of his talent, featuring oil paintings, intimate sketchbooks, and insightful preparatory drawings, offering a comprehensive look into his artistic process.
What's truly remarkable is the story behind the exhibition itself. Barbara Hume revealed that the idea for the show was conceived just four nights after Tom's passing. Initially, the plan was to simply display a selection of his larger paintings. But, the earliest available date was two years away, which gave Barbara the time and space to transform the exhibition into a full-fledged retrospective. And this is the part most people miss: the exhibition became an integral part of her grieving process.
"It was very strange because I'm going through a massive bereavement," Mrs. Hume explained, describing the emotional weight of the project. "We walked out of the house, he put his paintbrush down, he thought he was going to come back in an hour and finish painting... I think the exhibition actually kept me going." This reveals the deeply personal and therapeutic nature of the project for Mrs. Hume.
As she delved into Tom's artistic legacy, Barbara made a surprising discovery: about 50 sketchbooks that she had never seen before. These sketchbooks, now part of the exhibition, provided a unique window into Tom's thoughts and creative process. "Suddenly, I felt as if I was in his head and I was learning things about him because of what he'd written," she shared. "Tears would flow, but also it gave me a focus... He didn't talk to me a lot, we just understood each other without much discussion. Reading those was the most wonderful thing, really, it was just like going through somebody's diaries." This intimate glimpse into the artist's inner world adds another layer of depth to the exhibition.
Andrew Heard, visitor programmes manager at Ushaw, beautifully summarized the essence of Tom Hume's contribution: "Tom Hume's work represents a lifetime's devotion to art, not only in his own practice but through the many students and fellow artists he inspired. This exhibition is a moving tribute to his vision and vitality." For much of his career, Hume dedicated himself to education, serving as the head of art at Middlesbrough High School, shaping the artistic sensibilities of countless students. Many of his former students attended the opening of the retrospective earlier in November, a heartwarming testament to his impact as a teacher and mentor. "I really don't know what Tom would think [of the retrospective] because he had no ego," Mrs. Hume said. "He never looked for recognition or money." But here's where it gets controversial... Does an artist's lack of desire for recognition diminish the importance of celebrating their work? Or does it make the celebration even more meaningful, a pure tribute to the art itself?
Tom Hume: Retrospective is running at Ushaw until January 18th. Take a moment to reflect: What does it mean to leave behind a legacy through art? And how does the personal story behind an exhibition shape our understanding and appreciation of the artwork itself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
