Belford's first blue plaque unveiled at special ceremony

The plaque has been placed on the house in which Sir William Coldstream, celebrated artist and cultural icon, was born. His father, George Probyn Coldstream, was a much-respected doctor who served the area for 16 years.

Sir William, as he became, was one of the foremost British painters of his generation, noted for the quality of his portraits.

After the Second World War, he took charge of the University of London’s Slade School of Art, in which role he put Britain at the forefront of European art and, through two very important reports, shaped the future of art education in Britain.

Sir William’s five children and two of his grandchildren travelled to Belford to join in the celebration.

His son Rob thanked everyone involved in organising the event, especially Jane Bowen, from Belford Museum, before unveiling the plaque.

The exhibition of Coldstream’s life and work continues in Belford Museum until Sunday, 10am to 4pm.