Pop-up gallery will give food for thought

Why is there furniture on the plates instead of food? What is the significance of the boat in the wine glass?

These and many other intriguing questions will be answered when visitors embark on a tour around Ted Coney’s Family Portraits, which reopens on the Waterside on Sunday for its fifth season.

Artist Ted Coney will show his paintings when he takes visitors on a tour around the 300-year-old Grade II listed cottage which he shares with his wife, Hazel.

Booking is essential when visiting the pop-up gallery, as tours are limited to six people at a time.

The tours take place each Sunday afternoon at 2pm and 3pm, through to December. They last 45 minutes and begin with a short film to introduce the work, before being escorted by Ted around the house to see seven paintings on the theme of family life.

Other visits can be arranged by appointment. The experience finishes in Ted’s studio, to see his latest work in progress.

Although no paintings are for sale, visitors can buy prints of some of his paintings from his website. Postcards and tour guides can be purchased.