Why New Light Is Hosting an Auction of Artwork and How You Can Participate

It’s always a sad day when something brilliant comes under threat, and for art lovers across the North of England, this is one of those moments. The arts charity New Light, a real champion for northern artists, has found itself in a tough spot. After its main supporter stepped down last year, the charity is now facing a serious lack of funding. In a difficult but necessary move, they’ve made the decision to sell the entire New Light Collection. The sale, which is a massive event for collectors and anyone who appreciates fantastic artwork, will be held as an auction on Thursday 2nd April 2026. While it’s a bittersweet moment, it’s also a unique opportunity to own a piece of northern art history and support a vital charity at the same time.

The story behind the sale

For 15 years, New Light had a wonderful patron providing support. But in 2025, that support came to an end. Since then, the charity has been urgently searching for new funding to keep its mission alive. There are exciting plans for events in 2026 and 2027, but without the money to make them happen, the future is uncertain. If new sponsorship or a patron can't be found, the charity might have to close its doors for good.

This is where the auction comes in. The decision to sell the collection of paintings, original prints, and drawings wasn't an easy one. But the money raised from this sale will give New Light the breathing room it needs to continue its search for long-term funding. Every single bid and purchase is a form of support, helping to ensure that the charity can continue its work promoting incredible artists from across the North of England. It’s a crucial moment for a charity that relies entirely on sponsorship and donation to operate.

A unique chance for art lovers

This situation, while difficult for the charity, presents an incredible opportunity for collectors and art lovers. It’s not every day that an entire, carefully curated collection of contemporary art goes up for sale. This isn't just any artwork; it’s a celebration of the talent that thrives in the North of England. The auction features pieces from some of the best established and emerging northern artists, offering a chance to buy something truly special. Whether someone is a seasoned collector or just looking for a beautiful piece to hang on their living room wall, this sale is one to watch.

The importance of this event isn’t lost on the experts. Harry Pickup, an auctioneer at Anderson and Garland who will be hosting the sale said:

“This is an incredibly rare and special opportunity to buy contemporary artwork from a hugely talented group of people – artists from the North. Obviously, it is very difficult for the charity to see the collection be sold but the eclectic collection offers a true gift for art lovers keen to celebrate Northern talent.”

His words highlight just how special this collection is and what a gift it represents for those who appreciate northern creativity.

How the auction will work

Getting involved in the auction is straightforward. The sale of the New Light Collection will be managed by Anderson and Garland, a specialist art auction house based in Newcastle. They know their stuff, so every piece of artwork is in safe hands. The auction itself will be a hybrid event, meaning people can bid in person at the auction house or join in online from anywhere in the world. This flexibility makes it accessible to all art lovers, not just those who can make it to Newcastle.

For anyone who wants to see the artwork in person before making a bid—which is always a good idea—there will be a dedicated viewing day. Here are the key details:

• Viewing Day – Tuesday, 31st March 2026 (10am – 3pm)

• Auction Day – Thursday, 2nd April 2026

Both the viewing and the in-person auction will take place at Anderson House, Crispin Court, Newbiggin Lane, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1BF.

What made the New Light Collection so special?

The New Light Collection was never just about owning art; it was about sharing it. Its mission was to bring contemporary art out of the gallery and into everyday spaces, spreading a bit of joy where it was needed most. The artwork, including paintings and drawings, was loaned out for free to places like hospitals, schools, and community charities. Just last year, in 2025, the collection brought comfort and inspiration to patients and staff at York and Scarborough Hospitals and to those at The Retreat, a mental health charity in York. Imagine the difference a beautiful painting can make in a clinical, stressful environment.

The collection began over a decade ago, in 2015, thanks to a donation from a Leeds art fund. Over the years, it grew to more than 80 artworks, with many generous artists and collectors contributing a donation of their own work. However, looking after a collection of that size is a big responsibility. There are significant costs for things like professional storage, insurance, transport logistics, and the general administration needed to manage the loans. For a small charity in a tough financial climate, supporting these costs without secure funding has become impossible, leading to the decision for this sale.

A final thank you and a call for support

New Light has extended a heartfelt thank you to all the artists who are part of the collection, especially those who generously donated their work. The feedback from every venue that has hosted the artwork has been overwhelmingly positive, proving that the collection achieved its goal of bringing joy and solace to many people. The charity is extremely proud of what was accomplished through the New Light Collection.

While the auction is a vital step, the ultimate goal for New Light is to secure a future. This is a call to anyone who believes in the power of art to consider offering their support. The charity is actively looking for a new patron or sponsor to help them continue their work. Bidding in the auction is a fantastic way to help, but becoming a long-term supporter would secure the charity's future, allowing it to keep championing talented northern artists for years to come.