Three remarkable 17th-century works of art by one of Spain’s greatest sculptors have gone on display at the Spanish Gallery in Bishop Auckland.
Sculpting the Sacred celebrates Pedro de Mena (1628–1688), the Spanish master who was renowned for imbuing his extraordinarily lifelike religious figures with a sense of emotion and movement.
Running until 3 January 2027, the exhibition brings together three remarkable works by de Mena and his studio: The Virgin and Child, The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Peter of Alcántara.
Born in Granada, de Mena became one of the most celebrated sculptors of 17th-century Spain. His work is distinguished by its remarkable realism, achieved through intricately carved and painted wood alongside details such as reverse-painted glass eyes and, in some examples, human hair eyelashes.
The centrepiece, a life-size Virgin and Child dating from around 1680, captures the intimacy of a mother and child. While the Virgin appears serene, the Christ Child seems poised to move as he plays with the edge of a piece of fabric—demonstrating de Mena’s extraordinary ability to bring carved wood vividly to life.
The exhibition also explores the painstaking process behind Spanish polychrome sculpture, from carving the figure and applying gesso— a smooth white primer used to prepare the wood for painting—to the highly specialised technique of painting lifelike flesh tones and facial expressions, known as encarnación, literally meaning “the process of making something into flesh”.
Morlin Ellis, Research Curator at the Spanish Gallery & Library, said: “Pedro de Mena had an extraordinary ability to transform wood into figures which feel startlingly human.
“These works allow visitors to see up close the incredible craftsmanship, colour and emotion that made him one of the greatest sculptors of Spain’s Golden Age. They are a wonderful addition to the Spanish Gallery and another opportunity to experience exceptional Spanish art here in Bishop Auckland.”
The Spanish Gallery—which is Arts Council England Accredited— is the first and only museum in the UK entirely devoted to the art, history, and culture of Spain. Located in the historic Market Place, it spans four floors and features masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age, including works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Zurbarán.
The museum first opened to the public in 2021. It was later officially inaugurated in April 2022 by Queen Letizia of Spain and the then-Prince of Wales (now King Charles III).
The gallery is a central part of The Auckland Project, a unique regeneration charity dedicated to building a brighter future for the picturesque market town through art, history, and culture – from the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham to its surprising ties to the Spanish Golden Age.
Alongside the Spanish Gallery, visitors can explore Auckland Palace, the Mining Art Gallery and Faith Museum, along with its extensive gardens and Deer Park.
Pedro de Mena: Sculpting the Sacred is on display at the Spanish Gallery, Bishop Auckland, until 3 January 2027.
For more information, visit www.aucklandproject.org.
