Meet The Neighbours - Mark Taylor

Leading North East artist Mark Taylor is showcasing some of his most-loved paintings at @The Exchange 1856 in North Shields as he takes up the artist-in-residence position.

12 of Mark’s stunning artworks are currently on display in the foyer of the newly-refurbished Exchange 1856 and in its Thomas Brown room. These include a huge portrait of a weary Austrian sailor, who was clearly happier at sea than on land, and a scene from the white fish market in North Shields in its heyday in the 1800s.

Mark is famous locally for his beautiful oil paintings of the North Tyneside coastline, as well as moving portraits of real fishermen. He boasts many celebrity fans including Sam Fender, Sting, Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor and acclaimed screenwriter Ian la Frenais.

Aside from being an artist, Mark is a skilled Lifeboat Coxswain for @Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat and his deep love of the sea clearly shines out in all his work.

This year has been a corker for the talented North Shields painter. In June he was awarded artist in residence in London’s Canary Wharf after winning a prestigious national art competition. And now fans of Mark’s work can see some of his favourite original paintings simply by popping into The Exchange 1856.

Mark said: “My father was a famous North East artist and I followed in his footsteps when I became a full-time professional artist in 2011. I paint what I want to, which tends to be scenes of where I live and the sea, as I love both – people tell me my passion for my subjects jumps out and it’s what makes my work special.

“This year has been amazing for me. It’s fantastic to have a residency in London as it’s a whole new audience for me but to be able to showcase my work on my own doorstep at The Exchange 1856 is an incredible opportunity. The building has been transformed into an incredibly stylish, accessible venue and it’s the perfect place to display my paintings.”

Anyone wanting to see Mark Taylor’s paintings at The Exchange 1856, can visit the venue during opening hours – 10am until late.