The Splendor of the Colors

An exhibition of 19thC pith paintings.

Painting on pith seems to have developed in China in the early 19thC in response to demand for small, inexpensive and easily transported souvenirs for the increasing number of Western visitors. Usually presented in albums, pith paintings were light, portable and robust enough to survive the long voyage home.

The nature of pith paper means that very fine detail can be achieved and it produces vividly coloured paintings which, because many were sold in albums and protected from the light, retain their brightness to this day.

Open Daily
Mon - Fri 10.00 - 17.00

Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays 12.00 - 17.00

Nearest station is Durham Station. Take the No 5 bus (Bishop Auckland) from Durham bus station. Alight at Collingwood College and follow signs to museum.

Nearest major road is A1(M). Take the A690 to Durham City then head south on the A177, turn into Elvet Hill Road, off South Road, following the white on brown signs.

Free on site parking
Parking and toilets for disabled
All areas accesible to disabled
Facilities for visually impaired
Guide dogs permitted
Café/restaurant
Picnic site
Toilets
Farsi & French spoken

Adult £1.50
Child £0.75
Concession £0.75
Family £3.50