Newcastle University’s Hatton Gallery was founded in 1925 and named in honour of Richard George Hatton, professor of what was then the King Edward VII School of Art, Armstrong College, Durham University. He subsequently became Head of the Department of Fine Art at Newcastle University.

The Hatton’s diverse collection includes over 3,000 works from the 14th – 20th centuries. Key pieces in its paintings collection include works by Francis Bacon, Prunella Clough, Richard Hamilton, Palma Giovane, Patrick Heron and William Roberts. Works on paper by artists including Thomas Bewick, Thomas Hair, Wyndham Lewis, Linder and Paula Rego are also held.

In October 2017, the gallery underwent a £3.8 million redevelopment to conserve the historic and architectural elements of the Grade II-listed building while creating a modern exhibition space. The funding also enabled urgent conservation and better interpretation of Kurt Schwitters’ iconic Merz Barn Wall, which was brought to the gallery in 1965 and incorporated into the fabric of the building.

The gallery also has extensive archive material including paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings and textiles, and material connected to its own history such as exhibition posters designed and printed in the art school.