New Vaux glass artwork honours Sunderland landmarks + win Vaux merchandise

From Wearmouth Bridge to The Elephant Tea Rooms, landmark buildings from Sunderland’s skyline feature in the first glass to be produced by the new Vaux brewery.
Artist Kathryn Robertson and Steven Smith with the VAUX glassArtist Kathryn Robertson and Steven Smith with the VAUX glass
Artist Kathryn Robertson and Steven Smith with the VAUX glass

Earlier this year, business partners formed the new micro brewery under the name of the beloved Sunderland brand to produce new beers linked to Wearside’s history.

As well as beers including IPA Decent Days and Nights, named after The Futureheads song, and best bitter Ernest, named after Ernest Vaux, the brewery produces merchandise such as T-shirts which are sold at Port Independent in the city centre and at the ALS shop in Sheepfolds.

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Now, they’ve teamed up with city artist Kathryn Robertson to produce a pint glass printed with well-known buildings and signs of Sunderland.

The new Vaux pint glasses designed by artist Kathryn RobertsonThe new Vaux pint glasses designed by artist Kathryn Robertson
The new Vaux pint glasses designed by artist Kathryn Robertson

Speaking about how the collaboration came about, Steven Smith, director at Vaux Brewery, said: “Kathryn had submitted a design for a can label competition we ran and, although it wasn’t what we were looking for on the can, we thought it would be perfect on a glass.”

Kathryn added some Vaux references to her original design and the glass was manufactured in Germany using specialist printing techniques.

Steven said: “We looked at having them made at National Glass Centre, but they don’t do this type of production. We’re really pleased with how it’s turned out, the black looks great against a light coloured beer.”

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Kathryn, whose work is featured on the walls of Holmeside Coffee, Sunderland University, the Civic Centre and the new Beam, said: “This is the first artwork I’ve produced for a glass and I wanted to focus on buildings of Sunderland, old and new. People seem to really connect with the images, a lot of people are passionate about it.”

We're giving away a Vaux T-shirt worth £20We're giving away a Vaux T-shirt worth £20
We're giving away a Vaux T-shirt worth £20

You can buy Vaux beers at outlets including Sunderland Empire, the new Blacks Corner deli in East Boldon, Port Independent, The Dun Cow, The Saltgrass and Wilson’s convenience store in Ashbrooke.

The new Vaux glass, priced £8.50, is available at the online shop here.

WIN

We have a Vaux glass, complete with gift box, as well as a red Vaux T-shirt, worth £20, to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question: which Sunderland band sang Decent Days and Nights?

We have a glass in a gift box to give awayWe have a glass in a gift box to give away
We have a glass in a gift box to give away

A:: Frankie & The Heartstrings

B:: Hyde & Beast

C:: The Futureheads

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Email your answer, along with your name, contact number and size of T-shirt you require (either S,M,L, XL or XXL), to [email protected] by Monday, November 11. The winner will need to be available to collect their prize from our offices at North East BIC.

Usual JPI Media competition rules apply. Ts & Cs here.