Art gallery closed after problems with humidity

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens has been forced to close its art gallery temporarily after problems with humidity.

Some of the displays have had to be removed in order to protect them from the damp conditions.

A statement on the museum’s Facebook page says bosses are hoping to have the situation resolved in time for the half-term holiday, which runs from October 22 to 26: “Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, our Art Gallery is currently closed to the public.

“This means there is no access to the following exhibitions:

Julie Cope’s Grand Tour; The Story of a Life by Grayson Perry;

Our collection of works of LS Lowry; Our Victorian Gallery; Contemporary Glass. “We are doing everything we can to rectify the issue as soon as possible and hope to have the gallery reopened before October half term,” it says.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will keep you updated as to when the gallery will reopen.”

A Sunderland City Council spokesman said work was under way to allow the gallery to reopen as soon as possible.

“High levels of humidity have been recorded and to help prevent any risk to items we have taken some of them off display while we make our investigations,” he said.

“We hope to re-open the gallery very soon and apologise for the inconvenience.”