FOR more than 40 years people would pass a brick terraced house in County Durham without realising that behind its unremarkable frontage one of the region’s most important artists was at work.

But today (Friday, March 27) that all changed as the late Norman Cornish’s former home in Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, was recognised for its historical and cultural significance with the addition of a blue plaque.

Mr Cornish, who died last August aged 94, was a miner for 33 years and his paintings of everyday life in colliery communities won international acclaim.

He developed his talent at the Pitman’s Academy, at the pioneering Spennymoor Settlement arts community, and worked from his home studio, which has been reassembled at Beamish Museum.

For Mr Cornish’s children, John, 58, and Ann Thornton, 65, the house is full of memories, including their father’s constant sketching of them as they did everyday things like watching television.

Mr Cornish said: “He didn’t have airs and graces, everything he wanted was here. He would be embarrassed by this.

“This was the perfect house for a growing family and a studio.

“Dad would sit and sketch at the kitchen table, he was the master of quick sketches.

“He’d take a walk around the town looking at street scenes then come back home and up to his studio to develop his ideas.

“He used to draw the family, normal family life, and if he was having a problem with a picture, like the fold of a trouser leg, he’d move me round until it made the right shape and I had to hold the position until he was done.”

Durham County Council, Spennymoor Town Council and the Cornish family worked together to install the plaque.

It was unveiled by Spennymoor Mayor Geoff O’Hehir who described Mr Cornish as ‘simply the most important North-East artist of the 20th century’.

Durham County Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “He is an artist not just recognised in his own town, but regionally and internationally.

“It is worth celebrating and documenting his art, his inspiration for the next generation of artists and to help put Spennymoor on the map.”

It took more than 50 drafts to settle on the wording of the plaque which reads - 'Norman Cornish MBE 1919-2014. An internationally acclaimed artist and a famous son of County Durham who lived and worked here from 1967'.

It includes a quote of his: “The images are created by the people. I am just the medium”.

Son-in-law Mike Thornton said: “So much could be said - to summarise his life and contribution to the arts in one sentence is quite a challenge.”

The plaque is the latest in a series of tributes to the artist and there are plans for a heritage trail and a permanent exhibition in his hometown.