Step into Bernie’s world and suddenly you’re back in a Leadgate childhood—running the back streets, wandering the railway lines, disappearing into the woods. His gift for capturing emotion in simple, powerful sketches has earned him recognition from artists, exhibitions, and even the Story in Durham archives.
Before art, Bernard Nixon spent years in the steel industry—from Consett Steelworks to the North Sea and Saudi Arabia. It wasn’t until his sister recognised their childhood characters in one of his early drawings that his artistic journey truly began.
If you get the chance to see his exhibitions (especially with Bernie as your storyteller), go. He’s brilliant.
Change of name for the Consett in Focus Photography Group to Communities in Focus
We’re changing our name.
As our projects have grown and our reach has widened, we felt it was time for a name that reflects that journey — Communities in Focus.
This doesn’t mean we’ve left Consett for sunnier shores. We’re still proudly based here and will continue documenting our local area. But we also want people from Hamsterley Colliery, Dipton, Lanchester and Stanley to feel part of what we do.
Take a look at our new website for future projects – https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com
Read more: https://consettmagazine.com/2026/02/16/bernie-nixon-drawing-memory-place-and-emotion/
Great times recorded for future generations we’ll done Bernard there brilliant
Janis Goldsborough Janis you are on them. Thanks.
Bernard Nixon ah thanks for remembering me bless you
Janis Goldsborough Watch out for a sketch coming soon, its a story about a bike two young lady’s a mam and a bus stop ,Don’t tell it yet 😀
Bernard Nixon
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I have always admired your sketches
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Very talented, Bernie’s sketches are all in our memories growing up in the pit bungalows and the surrounding area , thanks for keeping the memories alive Bernard
Barry Hill Thank you Barry.
Love your sketches
Thanks Barry.
amazing uncle bernie xx
Cheryl Robertson Thank you some much .
Get in dad so proud of you 🎉
Andrew Nixon Thanks son .x
Great sketches Bernie
A wonderful gentleman and artist 🎨🖌️
We worked together in Algeria many years ago
As always Dad, I’m proud to be your daughter! Love you xxx Bernard Nixon
Vickie Mitchell I am so proud of you, this is just little to what you have done. I had a wonderful childhood in Bradley Bungalows along with all my great family and friends. They are the sketches.