Audrey Amiss: Kitchen Sink Realism
Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art
Culture House Sunderland
Saturday 12th September 2026 - Sunday 17th January 2027
Kitchen Sink Realism is a major solo show of Sunderland born artist Audrey Amiss (1933–2013) presenting previously unseen paintings, drawings and archival material.
Audrey Joan Amiss was born in Fulwell, Sunderland, in 1933, to parents Arthur and Belle Amiss. From an early age she developed a passion for art catching the attention of her teachers at Bede Grammar School for Girls in Sunderland. Amiss continued her studies attending Sunderland College of Art, now part of University of Sunderland’s School of Media and Creative Industries, which led to a prestigious scholarship studying painting at the Royal Academy School of Art in London between 1954-58. This remarkable achievement solidified Amiss’ lifelong commitment to being an artist and recording the world around her.
Kitchen Sink Realism charts Amiss’ artistic journey from her formative years in Sunderland through to her final years in Clapham, South London. The exhibition’s title Kitchen Sink Realism is taken from a quote by Amiss where she stated, “I was once in the tradition of social realism, also called the kitchen sink school of painting, but I am now avant garde and misunderstood.” The exhibition realises Amiss’ long held desire to be recognised as an artist in her own right.
Kitchen Sink Realism has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Wellcome Collection, London.
Photos: Colin Davison