YOUR editorial (the first that I can recall in eulogy to an artist) rightly states that the North-East, and County Durham in particular, must think carefully about the appropriate way to remember Norman Cornish (Echo, Aug 12).

My grandfather worked in the Durham coalfield and my father worked in Dean and Chapter pit.

They lived in Chilton and I vividly remember the close community that existed in that village and the south Durham coalfield.

One of my earliest memories is being carried on my father’s shoulders, watching the bands at the Durham Miners’ Gala.

How do we immortalise those communities and memories?

First, by ensuring as much of Norman Cornish’s work is gathered into public collections, for permanent display, throughout the North-East. His art is available through auction houses, private sales and benefactors – what is needed is commitment by public galleries and bodies, and active support from the Art Fund.

Second, the Northumbria University Gallery has inherited hundreds of sketchbooks from the artist, and it now needs to be supported in finding a suitable venue to put them on permanent display.

Third, funding should be raised for a suitable piece of public sculpture to be placed in Spennymoor – at the heart of Norman’s world – as a permanent memorial to him and the community he portrayed.

Few artists in history have possessed the ability to capture community and humanity with such sensitivity and compassion.

Had he moved to a more fashionable location for the art world glitterati, he would have been showered with the awards and recognition he so richly deserved in his lifetime.

It now falls to his own local people to ensure his place in art history is fully recognised in perpetuity.

John Flook, Darlington.