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CAPITAL OF CULTURE?

Could Newcastle and Gateshead win the battle for Brian Sewell's approval?

We take London art critic Brian Sewell on a cultural tour of Tyneside. Inside Out questions him on whether the area is the cultural desert that he imagines.

Art critic Brian Sewell is one of the most unpopular men in the North East.

He recently upset Geordies with his remarks that Tynesiders weren't sophisticated enough to appreciate a major art exhibition at Gateshead聮s BALTIC.

We decided to put Sewell's criticisms of Tyneside to the test by taking him on a tour of the area's cultural highspots. But did our grand tour convince the London critic?

"It looks like one of those old fashioned machines for slicing bread"

Brian Sewell on the Millennium Bridge

Cultural desert or oasis?

"London has been the centre of the art world for centuries. Of course, it's more sophisticated. There's no doubt about it," said Brian Sewell contemptuously before his visit.

Inside Out's cultural tour took in the Angel of the North, the Newcastle and Gateshead waterfronts, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, and a traditional Tyneside pub.

First stop was the BALTIC where Sewell failed to be impressed by the international COBRA exhibition.

But it was the modernist paintings which he didn't like rather than the gallery itself.

Antony Gormley's "Domain Field" with its 200 plaster cast figures was also dismissed as "looking like Harvey Nicols on a bad day".

Art attack

Things could only get better, and it was a minor triumph when Sewell eventually found some Geordie culture that he liked.

He was impressed by the Laing Art Gallery, and also liked Grey Street and its stunning Georgian architecture.

"It was very good rediscovering the Laing Art Gallery and Grey Street."

Brian Sewell

It's official - "Newcastle is dinky" said Sewell.

In fact it turns out that Sewell is more of a culture champion than we thought.

He thinks that Tyneside has had a raw deal with a lack of support from cultural organisations.

Sewell claims that he's been mis-reported in the past, and he's keen to set the record straight.

Although he admits that London has more sophisticated audiences, he is in favour of "moving things out of London" and spreading culture around the country.

In fact Sewell says he enjoys a good cultural sparring match because it's good to upset people if it makes them think.

Popular culture

Back on the cultural tour, Sewell seems slightly puzzled by Tyneside's popular culture.

Brian Sewell tries Newcastle Broon Ale - "it smells rich"

He isn't impressed by Newcastle's footballing prowess, and even confesses "who's Alan Shearer?".

As for our famous Newcastle Brown, Sewell describes himself as being underwhelmed.

The traditional meat and gravy pie lunch at the Strawberry pub goes down

a treat, but it isn't exactly London's Savoy Grill.

At least he thinks that the people are canny, and he's impressed that they're keen to challenge his opinions.

Culture capital?

Despite a few eye-openers, Sewell remains contemptuous of comparisons between Newcastle and major international cities.

"The idea of comparing Newcastle and New York, and putting them on the same level is frankly dotty," says Sewell.

Brian Sewell says he knows more about culture than Geordies. Do you agree?

In a few days time though, Sewell could be left with egg on his face when the Capital of Culture judges decide if Newcastle-Gateshead will be awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2008.

Six cities are vying for the coveted culture crown, and Newcastle-Gateshead is one of the front runners. If it wins, Brian Sewell could be coming back to Tyneside for another dose of culture.

Put yourself to the test

How do you rate in the culture stakes? Are you a culture vulture or an artistic ignoramus?

Put your cultural knowledge to the test in our

Simply answer a few simple questions and find out if you're got what it takes in the culture stakes!

You can prove to Brian Sewell that you're not a philistine!