Flurry, mixed media on canvas, one of the pieces from Lesley Birch’s new Musical Abstract Collection at Partisan, York
LESLEY Birch’s exhibition Marks & Moments at Partisan, the boho restaurant, café and arts space in Micklegate, York, is a feast of colour and imagination.
Filling two floors, more than 50 paintings are on view, from Lesley’s Musical Abstract Collection – large canvases expressing music and movement in nature – to little gouache gems created en plein air in the remote village of Farindola in Abruzzo, Italy.
Reverie, mixed media, by Lesley Birch, who says: “Ethereal energy in expressive brush marks – another from the Musical Abstract Collection”
Lesley’s paintings capture an atmosphere of place and moment with her
own personal language of mark-making, whether on paper or on canvas, and this newly
opened display showcases it all.
“When Florencia Clifford at Partisan invited me to have a show, I
thought it was a grand opportunity to bring a lot of paintings into a buzzy
space, where food and art are key,” says Lesley, who works out of PICA Studios,
an artist collective space in Grape Lane, York.
The Old Town, oil on canvas, by Lesley Birch: scratches and atmosphere from Lesley’s Italian Collection
“Partisan is a sort of emporium full of collectable stuff, such as
vintage lamps and the like, and it’s so exciting to see my paintings in this
bohemian setting, reflected off the old French mirrors and hung high and
low.”
Divided into colour and spring moods upstairs and dramatic landscapes
downstairs, the marks and moments of Lesley’s artistic journey can be seen at
Partisan until March 31. All paintings are for sale.
The Essex Tapestries: The Life of Julie Cope (2015) , by Grayson Perry, on the drawing room wall of Nunnington Hall from February 8
GRAYSON Perry will be Stitching The Past Together with
his tapestries at Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, from February 8.
Out go the National Trust country house’s 17th century
Verdure tapestries for conservation work; in come the Essex transvestite artist,
potter, broadcaster and writer’s typically colourful and thought-provoking pair
of Essex House Tapestries: The Life of Julie Cope (2015).
Hanging in an historic setting for the first time
in the drawing room, this brace of large-scale, striking works tells the story of Julie
Cope, a fictitious Essex “everywoman” created by the irreverent Chelmsford-born
2003 Turner Prize winner.
The tapestries illustrate the key events in the heroine’s journey from
her birth during the Canvey Island floods of 1953 to her untimely death in a tragic
accident on a Colchester street.
Rich in cultural and architectural details, the tapestries contain a
social history of Essex and modern Britain that “everyone can relate to”.
These artworks represent, in Perry’s words, ‘the trials, tribulations,
celebrations and mistakes of an average life’.
In Its Familiarity Golden: a close-up of one of Grayson Perry’s Essex House Tapestries: The Life of Julie Cope (2015)
Historically, large-scale tapestry provided insulation for grand
domestic interiors. Perry, by contrast, however, has juxtaposed its
associations of status, wealth and heritage with contemporary concerns of
class, social aspiration and taste.
To write Julie’s biography, he looked to the English ballad and folktale
tradition, narrating a life that conveys the beauty, vibrancy and
contradictions of the ordinary individual.
Laura Kennedy, Nunnington Hall’s visitor experience manager, says: “It’s
extremely exciting to have The Essex House Tapestries: The Life of Julie Cope
Tapestries on the walls that would usually display the hall’s Verdure
tapestries.
“The tapestries will hang in the drawing room amongst the historic
collection, and nearby to the hall’s remaining 17th century
Flemish tapestries telling the story of Achilles.”
Laura continues: “The genuine and relatable stories told through Grayson
Perry’s artworks are a rich contrast to the demonstration of wealth and status
reflected through many historic tapestries, including our own at Nunnington Hall.
“We’ve worked closely with the Crafts Council to bring the hangings to
Nunnington and observe how these contrasting sets of tapestries are a beautiful
contradiction in design, colour palette, storytelling and manufacture,
illustrating the evolution of tapestries over the past four hundred years. It
will also be the first time that The Essex House Tapestries have been hung in a
historic setting.”
One of the Essex House Tapestries: The Life of Julie Cope (2015), by Grayson Perry
Nunnington’s three Verdure tapestries were brought to Nunnington Hall more
than 350 years ago by the 1st Viscount Preston, Richard
Graham, following his time as Charles II’s ambassador at the Court of
Versailles.
Graham was appointed by King James II as the Master of the Royal
Wardrobe because of his style and knowledge of Parisian fashions. He would have
used these tapestries to demonstrate his good taste, wealth and status in
society.
Welcoming Perry’s works to Nunnington Hall, Jonathan Wallis, curator for
the National Trust, says: “It’s great to be able to show these wonderful
tapestries at Nunnington. It continues our aim of bringing thought-provoking
art to rural Yorkshire.
“The Life of Julie Cope is a story that we can all relate to and one
which will delight, surprise and engage people. Digital devises accompany the
tapestries exploring Julie’s life experiences and the reveal much of Perry’s
inspirations.”
This is the first of two opportunities to see work by Grayson Perry in North Yorkshire in 2020. His earliest works and “lost pots” will be showcased in Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years from June 12 to September 20 at York Art Gallery’s Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA).
The
touring exhibition, developed by the Holburne Museum in Bath, is the first to
celebrate Perry’s early forays into the art world and will re-introduce the
explosive and creative works he made between 1982 and 1994.
The 70 works have been
crowd-sourced through a national public appeal, leading to the “lost pots”
being on display together for the first time since they were made.
Cocktail Party, 1989, by Grayson Perry, on show in Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years at CoCA, York Art Gallery, from June 12
The
Pre-Therapy Years exhibition begins with Perry’s early collaged sketchbooks,
experimental films and sculptures, capturing his move into using ceramics as
his primary medium.
From
his first plate, Kinky Sex (1983),
to his early vases made in the mid-1980s, Perry riffed on British vernacular
traditions to create a language of his own.
The
themes of his later work – fetishism, gender, class, his home county of Essex,
and the vagaries of the art world – appear in works of kinetic energy.
Although
the majority of his output consisted of vases and plates, Perry’s early
experiments with form demonstrate the variety of shapes he produced: Toby jugs,
perfume bottles, porringers, funeral urns and gargoyle heads.
Perry says: “This show has been such a joy to put together. I am really looking forward to seeing these early works again, many of which I have not seen since the Eighties. It is as near as I will ever get to meeting myself as a young man, an angrier, priapic me with huge energy but a much smaller wardrobe.”
Grayson Perry’s The Essex House Tapestries: Life of Julie Cope (2015)
will be on display at Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, Helmsley, from February 8 to
December 20. Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4pm.
Nunnington Hall’s Verdure Tapestries: away for conservation work; back on display from January 2021
What’s happening to the Nunnington Hall Verdure tapestries?
ALL three tapestries at Nunnington Hall have been taken
off the walls. At various times they were sent to Belgium to be cleaned and
each is being worked on by a selected conservator.
At each studio, the tapestries have been placed on to a frame with a
linen scrim. The conservators are working across each tapestry, undertaking
conservation stitching.
This includes closing the gaps that have appeared and replacing worn historic
threads and previous conservation repairs. These stiches are placed through
both the tapestry and the linen to provide extra support.
One of the conservators has estimated this work will take 740 hours. The
work should be completed in the middle of 2020 to be placed back on the drawing
room wall in January 2021.
Grayson Perry’s Essex House Tapestries: The Life of Julie Cope (2015) at Nunnington Hall
The story behind Grayson Perry’s Essex House Tapestries
THE Essex House Tapestries were made for A House for Essex, designed by
Grayson Perry and FAT Architecture, as featured on the Channel 4 programme Grayson
Perry’s Dream House.
The house was conceived as a mausoleum to Julie Cope, a fictitious Essex
“everywoman”, who was inspired by the people Perry grew up among.
The tapestries are the only pair in a public collection, acquired by the
Craft Council.
York Town Crier Ben Fry hails the York Dungeon’s five millionth visitor, Denise Pitts, and her mother, Jeanette
THE York Dungeon is celebrating its five millionth visitor since opening
its doors in Clifford Street, York, in 1986.
Denise Pitts hit the jackpot as the landmark intrepid visitor when she took her mother, Jeanette, to York for her birthday celebrations and accusations of naked dancing!
Their trip to the theatrical dungeon attraction made that day extra special when they were given VIP treatment: coffee and cake while they waited for their tour to begin, free pictures and goody bags.
“The experience was great,” said Denise. “We loved that the show was
informative with a dash of terror and a hint of humour; also some unexpected
surprises along the way! Thoroughly enjoyable.
“My mum was put into a cage for pleading insanity when accused of naked
dancing and she found this absolutely hilarious. The actors were great and
really got into their characters.
“We would highly recommend this attraction when visiting York and would
like to thank everyone for making us feel so special.”
Dungeon manager Stuart Jarman said: “The York Dungeon has been a
must-see since opening in 1986 and over the past 34 years we have welcomed,
scared and provided amazing immersive experiences to five million visitors.
“This is a significant milestone in the history of the York Dungeon and
it was great to surprise Denise and Jeanette as the visitors that hit the
milestone, particularly with the help of York Town Crier Ben Fry.”
Looking ahead to 2020’s attractions, Stuart said: “2020 is another
exciting year for the York Dungeon with a new show for the February half-term, War
Of The Roses: The Bloody Battle, Guy Fawkes in May and Séance in October for
Halloween.”
THE second selection from a nationally important collection of new
prints will go on show at Scarborough Art Gallery next month.
Running from February 8 to April 26, the Printmakers Council 1992-2019 exhibition
will feature work by leading printmakers, including prize winners from the
council’s biannual competition.
Beach Bodies by Theresa Pateman
The new show follows on last summer’s PmC Mini Prints display. Once more,
all the work has been donated to Scarborough Art Gallery by the prestigious
Printmakers Council, marking the start of an ongoing relationship between the
gallery and the PmC.
This will involve regular donations of work to create an important
national archive of fine art printmaking in Scarborough.
Meteor Storm Over St Ives by Graham Cooke
The PmC, a national association for
the promotion and encouragement of printmaking in all its forms, was founded in
1965. One of its founding objectives was the creation of a comprehensive
national print archive of contemporary printmaking.
The work for The Printmakers Council
1992-2019 has been selected from PmC members, with one print from each participating
member. No restrictions were placed on subject matter, method or date, except
that the artist must have been a member of the PmC when the print was produced.
The Ancestral Heritage Emporium by Trevor Dance
Simon Hedges, head of curation, collections
and exhibitions at Scarborough Museums Trust, says: “The exhibition will
include a wide and rich variety of contemporary prints showcasing many
different print processes.”
The Printmakers Council 1992-2019, Scarborough Art Gallery, February 8 to April 26. Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm. Entry is free with an Annual Pass, which costs £3 and gives the bearer unlimited access to both Scarborough Art Gallery and the Rotunda Museum for a year.
CULTURE vulture artist Jonny Hannah is teaming up with Lotte Inch Gallery and FortyFive Vinyl Café to bring “a unique Valentine” bond of music and love to York.
Songs For Darktown Lovers, his
exhibition of Double A-sides, will be split between the two independent York
businesses, on show from February 8 to March 7.
Having exhibited with Lotte Inch Gallery, in Bootham, over the years, one-of-a-kind Scottish artist, designer, illustrator and all-round creative spark Hannah is returning to York for his music-inspired collaboration with gallery curator Lotte Inch and her friends Dan Kentley and Dom White at FortyFive Vinyl Café in Micklegate.
Shoe by Jonny Hannah
“Songs For Darktown Lovers roots
itself in all things music, and of course, love,” says Lotte. “With Sinatra’s Songs
For Swinging Lovers playing in the background, this exhibition is an
alternative Valentine for the creatively minded.
“It’s also a love letter to
‘Darktown’, a fictional place that Jonny refers to when modern life becomes too
much, a place with countless retreats, all revealed in his book Greetings From
Darktown, published by Merrell Publishers in 2014.”
The exhibition in two places will
combine newly reinterpreted vinyl sleeves on display at FortyFive Vinyl Café with
prints and hand-painted wooden cut-outs at both venues.
Harmonium by Jonny Hannah
“This will be a rich double-exhibition
of work by a highly respected and totally unique artist,” says Lotte, curator
of both displays. “It will definitely not be your usual Valentine’s cliché,”
she promises.
BAFTA award-winning Jonny Hannah was
born and raised in Dunfermline, Scotland, and studied at the Cowdenbeath
College of Knowledge, Liverpool Art School and then the Royal College of Art in
London.
Pepe Le Moko by Jonny Hannah
Since graduation in 1998, he has
worked both as a commercial designer and an illustrator and printmaker. He lives
by the sea in Southampton, where he is a senior lecturer in illustration at
Southampton Solent University.
Hannah boasts an impressive list of
exhibitions, advertising projects and clients, such as Royal Mail, the New York
Times, the Guardian and Conde Nast, and he has published a series of “undeniably
Hannah-esque” books with Merrell Publishers, Mainstone Press and Design For
Today.
“Many local visitors to next month’s
York shows will recall Jonny’s Darktown Turbo Taxi solo exhibition at the
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield, in 2018,” says Lotte.
Shoe by Jonny Hannah
“For those curious to find out more,
we recommend looking out for the Darktown Turbo Taxi – a must see, even if only in retrospect, through
the website for his London and New York illustration agency, Heart Agency.”
A preview evening to launch Songs For Darktown Lovers will be held from 6pm to 9pm on February 7 at FortyFive Vinyl Café. “You can join Jonny, who will perform an acoustic set with friend, artist and illustrator Jonathan Gibbs before taking to the decks to celebrate our exciting collaboration,” says Lotte.
“It’s a
chance to get lost
in a world filled with art, music and just plain lovely people, with tickets
available at jonnyhannahpreview.eventbrite.com.”
Confederacy Of Dunces by Jonny Hannah
The exhibition’s Double A-side opens on February 8 at Lotte Inch Gallery, now moved to the first floor at 14 Bootham. “With coffee for those with sore heads, and art to further soothe the soul, the gallery will be offering up a selection of new and recently produced work from Jonny’s abounding studio in Southampton,” says Lotte.
“Coffee by FortyFive will be available that morning from 10am at
the gallery for those needing some solace from the previous night’s escapades!
Jonny Hannah will be in residence for the morning too, so be sure to drop by.”
Lotte Inch Gallery is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, or by appointment on 01904 848660. FortyFive Vinyl Café’s opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm; Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Jess Thomas: artist, play worker and comedian , hosting Heroes Of The Imagination
THE world’s first Tourette’s superhero lands in Scarborough Art Gallery this February half-term with a free “interactive, inclusive and incredible” superhero-themed experience.
Heroes Of The Imagination, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, February 22, invites
disabled and non-disabled children to discover their own powers, create a
superhero identity and use their imagination to change the world.
Touretteshero herself will be there with her team to help children make
masks, create capes, perfect their moves and launch their new superheroes in a
magical photo studio.
Touretteshero was founded by Matthew Pountney and Jess Thom, an artist, play worker and comedian who has Tourette’s syndrome and finds her tics are a source of imaginative creativity. She has never been seen in the same room as Touretteshero, by the way!
Children taking part in a previous Touretteshero event
“Touretteshero needs you!” says Jess. “Bring your ideas, excitement and
energy to celebrate difference and save the world from dullness.”
Scarborough Museums Trust chief executive Andrew Clay says: “We’re excited to host internationally acclaimed company Touretteshero to inspire and energise us in our journey towards becoming more accessible and inclusive.
“We have some way to go but
we’re committed to radically improving access over the next few years,
particularly at Scarborough Art Gallery, including installing a lift.”
Taking place on the ground floor of the gallery, in The Crescent, this celebration of creativity,
imagination and neurodiversity will allow children to choose and move between
activities.
Another Touretteshero event in Scarborough
There will be a chill-out area, quiet and busy spaces and plenty of
staff and helpers on hand, plus a Mobiloo outside the gallery on The Crescent: a
Changing Places accessible loo with an adult-size changing bed and ceiling
hoist.
The fully accessible, multi-sensory drop-in activities for disabled and
non-disabled children and their grown-up sidekicks are free, but places are
limited and booking is essential. The event is recommended
particularly for children aged five to 13.
Further free half-term events being run by Scarborough Museums Trust include:
Fabulous
Fossils, Rotunda Museum, Tuesday, February 18, 10.30am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to
3pm;
Superheroes
of Science, Rotunda Museum, Thursday, February 20, 10am to 12 noon and 1pm to
3pm;
Explorer
Backpacks and Trails, Rotunda Museum, Scarborough Art Gallery and Woodend,
available every day.
To book for Heroes Of The Imagination, and for more information on all the half-term events, call 01723 374753 (Scarborough Art Gallery) or 01723 353665 (Rotunda) or visit scarboroughmuseumstrust.com/whats-on/.
York artist Gerard Hobson with his wren installation beneath the Clock Tower at Beningbrough Hall, near York. Pictures: Sue Jordan
YORK linocut artist Gerard Hobson is exhibiting
for the first time at Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, near York.
His Winter Wildlife In Print show at the
National Trust property combines prints for sale in the Hayloft gallery with 14
sculptural
scenes in the outbuildings, gardens, grounds and parkland, inspired by
creatures that make Beningbrough their winter home.
Throughout
winter until March 1, they can be seen only on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am
to 3.30pm, and additionally during the February half term.
Hedgehog in winter, by Gerard Hobson,
Created out of linoprints, cut out and mounted to make Hobson’s
3D installations, birds are swooping, climbing or nesting among the trees, from
owls and robins to cuckoos, wrens and swifts.
Eyes should
be kept peeled for the naughty magpies with their stolen ring. Do look out,
too, beyond the ha-ha to the parkland to spot a pair of boxing hares, better
seen close-up should anyone be carrying binoculars.
Bang goes the common knowledge, by the way, that boxing hares
are a brace of males scrapping over a female. Apparently, as a sign reveals,
the fights involve a male and a female, not welcoming his persistent attention.
Who knew, the lady hares are effectively saying “Do one” or “Get yourself a
better chat-up line”!
Hare, by Gerard Hobson, one of the linoprints in the Hayloft gallery at Beningbrough Hall
These outdoor
installations are the first time Gerard Hobson has used his work in this way,
and in creating the exhibition, he has made many new pieces especially for the
Beningbrough garden.
Not only birds, but other animals too make an appearance in
unexpected places, searching for food and preparing to hibernate or sleep,
whether bats, mice, stoats or a hedgehog.
Make sure to head upstairs in the stables to
the Hayloft for an indoor exhibition showcasing more of Gerard’s printed work,
all for sale. Visitors also can create a feeder in the bothy and pick up
one of the special colouring-in sheets in the walled garden restaurant, while
in the laurel den a dawn chorus soundscape is a reminder of warmer days to
come.
Here Charles Hutchinson puts the questions on
the art of the matter to artist Gerard Hobson.
You have a background as a zoologist and botanist. What draws you
to depicting nature and wildlife, Gerard?
“One of my earliest recollections was collecting a set of bird cards
given away with PG Tips tea (I would love to do a set for Yorkshire Tea).
“This moved on to sets of animals both native and around the world,
which then grew into a love of nature.
A bird collage by Gerard Hobson
“At the age of about 16, I had a ten-minute chat with a careers adviser,
who asked me what my interests were. I said ‘nature and art’ and he said ‘there’s
no money in art, go down the science route’, hence the zoology.
“My first job after graduating was with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and
this is where my knowledge of plants developed.”
In this age of climate change concern and the extinction of creatures,
your art can make a powerful statement …but at the same time, in the short
film shown in the Beningbrough Hall bothy, you talk of your art being fun.
Discuss…
“People who buy my prints tell me they’re bright and cheerful and have a
sense of fun about them. I’m pleased they get that response but I also hope
that my images might create a greater interest in wildlife.
“I think most people are aware of the loss of habitat and species and
the impact of global warming on our environment, but people feel the problem is
so great that their small contribution isn’t going to make any difference.
“I hope my art may stir people to become more interested in the wildlife
around them, to feed the birds and join their local wildlife trust. To share
this with their children and their children’s children and hopefully
generations of young people will become more interested in the birds and woodlands
around them. Maybe some will go on to be environmental campaigners – who knows!”
Gerard Hobson at work in his York studio
Your past work often has been of individual creatures. How did
you come up with the idea of doing installations and sculptural scenes for
the Beningbrough exhibition?
“When I was asked to do an exhibition at Beningbrough, they told me they
wanted me to do something outdoors but they wanted me to use my linocuts.
However, I knew this was going to create several problems.
“Life-size birds outside would just disappear into the great outdoors,
so I had to do everything twice its normal size.
“I wanted the work to be original because somehow, once you reproduce
art, it seems to lose its essence, but trying to make my paper linocuts
waterproof also proved challenging.
“I felt each installation needed some sort of narrative. So, my
vision for the exhibition was not just about the art but for each one to be
linked with some related fact or folklore.”
How does the impact of a group of birds/hibernating animals/etc
contrast with those past works?
“I think the outdoor display at Beningbrough challenged me artistically
as I have never done an outside exhibition before and I wanted to come up with
something a little bit different and quirky: a seek and find concept.
Pheasant, one of the linoprints by Gerard Hobson, at Beningbrough Hall’s Hayloft gallery
“As an artist you are looking at ways to develop, but not lose your
style. Before the offer at Beningbrough came about, I’d been considering doing
some framed images of my linocuts in naturalistic settings using fake plants,
branches, mosses etc.
“When I was about 12, I started collecting taxidermy and had quite a
large collection, but over the years it has become less fashionable. However,
taxidermy still interests me as an art form, hence the thought of putting my
linocuts in cases.”
What influence did the Beningbrough Hall outbuildings and grounds have
on your work. Furthermore, did the task of creating work for the outdoors present
different challenges?
“When I was asked to do the exhibition, the brief was very broad and
they basically gave me carte blanche on the spaces around the grounds, which
was fantastic!
“I obviously wanted to do something that was on a circuit so I around a few times, identifying my favourite
trees and possible places to put things.
“Many of the themes for the installations came from the spaces
themselves. The stumpery led to the creation of a group of mushrooms and the
tool shed looked like a good setting to put animals and birds for sheltering
away from the cold winter weather.”
A close-up of the wrens, one of 14 sculptural scenes by Gerard Hobson at Beningbrough Hall this winter
What impact did the winter season have on the work?
“The winter weather has created a few problems. When we were installing
the exhibition, it seemed to be constantly raining, which made the installation
a very cold and wet experience!
“Once the exhibition was up, we had a couple of weeks where various pieces
were coming away from their metal dowel. (I’m not sure if it was the persistent
rain or the wrong sort of glue being used.)
“Added to which, very high winds brought down the swallow installation
twice and the boxing hares were blown over. There has also been a problem with
the thrush installation being attacked by what we think is the resident jackdaw
population! “However, through it all, the gardeners and volunteers at
Beningbrough have been fantastic at helping put things right.”
What will happen to the installation pieces after the exhibition ends on
March 1?
“Good question, no idea. Some of the pieces have weathered, which gives
them a look of an old loved toy. I don’t think they’ll last outdoors
permanently. I’m open to suggestions.”
Bird And Mistletoe, a winter linoprint by Gerard Hobson
What do you like most about linocuts as an artform?
“I went on a printmaking course at York College about ten years ago and
I was particularly taken with producing linocuts.
“Carving away on lino has a very therapeutic feel to it, and it was through
this medium that I developed my own style. Prior to this, I’d been quite good
at art technically, but didn’t have a particular look to my art, so this
technique seemed to release me into something I’d been trying to do for years.
“When you produce a piece of art, you can feel quite attached to it, and
it can be quite difficult to part with. With a linocut, because it’s one of a
limited edition, you can always hold one back for yourself or a loved one.”
What are you working on next? York Open Studios 2020 on April 18, 19, 25
and 26, perhaps?
“My exhibition in the Hayloft gallery at Beningbrough is running until
the beginning of March, with the sales from this keeping me quite busy at the
moment, and I want to keep refreshing this part of the show, so that returning
visitors get to see something a little different each time.
“Also, I need to crack on with some new work for York Open Studios,
which I’m very excited about this April.”
Gerard Hobson’s Winter Wildlife In Print exhibition and
installations are on show at Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, near York, until
March 1. To plan a visit, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough for
more information.
Hare leap: one of Gerard Hobson’s linocut prints at Beningbrough Hall
Did you know?
SINCE childhood, Gerard Hobson has had a love for birds, animals
and art. His fascination with wildlife saw him qualify as a zoologist from
Bangor University in 1984 and he then worked for a couple of years for
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust as a botanist. Later he became an illustrator for the
trust, working on leaflets and sign boards.
After relocating up north, Gerard worked for Yorkshire Wildlife
and continued to develop his work on a freelance basis. In more recent years,
he has turned his hand to woodcarving and these days focuses his attentions on
print making, having studied the art form in York.
York artist Gerard Hobson with his wren installation beneath the Clock Tower at Beningbrough Hall, near York. Picture: Sue Jordan
YORK artist Gerard Hobson will hold the first of three print-making
workshops in the Hayloft gallery at Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, near York,
on Saturday to tie in with his Winter Wildlife In Print exhibition and
installations at the National Trust property.
Alas all three 10am sessions – using Beningbrough’s garden for
inspiration – are fully booked: the first two, this weekend and on February 8,
focusing on linoprint making; the third, on February 22, being a family
printmaking session.
Hare, by Gerard Hobson, one of the linoprints in the Hayloft gallery at Beningbrough Hall
Hobson’s Hayloft print exhibition and 14 sculptural scenes in the outbuildings,
gardens, grounds and parkland are inspired by creatures that make Beningbrough
their winter home.
Throughout winter until March 1, they can be seen only on
Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 3.30pm, and additionally during the
February half term. To plan a visit, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough for
more information.
A bird collage by Gerard Hobson
Created out of linoprints, cut out and mounted to make Hobson’s 3D
installations, birds are swooping, climbing or nesting among the trees, from
owls and robins to cuckoos, wrens and swifts.
Eyes should be kept peeled for the naughty magpies with their
stolen ring. Do look out, too, beyond the ha-ha to the parkland to spot a pair
of boxing hares, better seen close-up should anyone be carrying binoculars.
Gerard Hobson at work in his York studio
Bang goes the common knowledge, by the way, that boxing hares are
a brace of males scrapping over a female. Apparently, as a sign reveals, the fights
involve a male and a female, not welcoming his persistent attention. Who knew,
the lady hares are effectively saying “Do one” or “Get yourself a better
chat-up line”!
These installations are the first time Gerard Hobson has used his
work in this way, and in creating the exhibition, he has made many new pieces
especially for the Beningbrough garden. Not only birds, but other animals too make
an appearance in unexpected places, searching for food and preparing to
hibernate or sleep, whether bats, mice, stoats or a hedgehog.
Pheasant, one of the linoprints by Gerard Hobson, at Beningbrough Hall’s Hayloft gallery
Helen Osbond, exhibition manager for the National Trust, says: “We’re
thrilled to host so much of Gerard’s work at Beningbrough this winter. In working
towards the exhibition, it’s been a real insight to see how, as an artist, he
draws on his botanist background in his designs, and there’s a short video in
the bothy showing the process and steps taken in the intricate art of
linoprinting.”
Make sure to head upstairs in the stables to the Hayloft for an indoor exhibition showcasing more of Gerard’s printed work, all for sale.
A close-up of the wrens, one of 14 sculptural scenes by Gerard Hobson at Beningbrough Hall this winter
“It’s not only the chance to discover the series of sculptural scenes, we want the visit to be an immersive experience,” adds Helen. “Visitors can create a feeder in the bothy and pick up one of the special colouring-in sheets in the walled garden restaurant, while in the laurel den there’s a dawn chorus soundscape; a reminder of warmer days to come.”
Did you know?
SINCE childhood, Gerard Hobson has had a love for birds, animals and art. His fascination with wildlife saw him qualify as a zoologist from Bangor University in 1984 and he then worked for a couple of years for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust as a botanist. Later he became an illustrator for the trust, working on leaflets and sign boards.
Artist Gerard Hobson surveys his wren work at Beningbrough Hall
After relocating up north, Gerard worked for Yorkshire Wildlife and continued to develop his work on a freelance basis.
In more recent years, he has turned his hand to woodcarving and these days focuses his attentions on print making, having studied the art form in York.
KENTMERE House Gallery, in Scarcroft Hill, York, will be open for York Residents Festival on January 25 and 26 from 10am to 6pm.
The work of around 70 artists is on show at any one time in Ann
Petherick’s home gallery: some from York, some from Yorkshire, others from
artists across the country.
“This includes Freya Horsley’s atmospheric York townscapes, which have attracted many admirers, and David Greenwood’s vigorous pastels of Skeldergate Bridge and many York townscapes, along with the distinctive red brick houses of the Knavesmire area,” says Ann, who extends a welcome to all, not only York residents
The interior of Kentmere House Gallery, in Scarcroft Hill, York
“There’s also exciting new work from nationally known artist Susan
Bower, who lives near Tadcaster but whose work is mostly shown in London.”
Prices
start at £200 for original works and £50 for original prints. “We also have books
and cards exclusive to the gallery, reductions, special offers, five per cent discounts
for residents and a free 14-day home trial.”
The gallery’s involvement in York Residents Festival has been a great success in previous years. “A gallery in a home setting is still a curiosity, and I believe many people feel some slight trepidation at entering,” says Ann, whose usual opening hours are 11am to 5pm on the first weekend of every month, every Thursday evening from 6pm to 9pm and at any time by appointment – “just a phone call in advance to check we’re in” – on 01904 656507.
Hull From The South Bank, gouache on paper, by Bob Armstrong, on display at Kentmere House Gallery
“Alternatively, we work on the principle that ‘if we’re in, we’re open’ – just ring the bell. But you would be amazed how many visitors say they have been walking past for years but never been in. The Residents Festival emboldens them, however, and gives them that little extra incentive.
“Then there are many – even some living nearby – who say that
they didn’t even know the gallery existed. It’s truly one of York’s hidden gems
and this festival is the ideal time to sample its unique atmosphere and to
introduce it to your friends.”
The front door of Kentmere House Gallery in York
In addition to the art on display, Kentmere House is an interesting property in its own right. “It was built by the Methodist Church in 1898 as their own offices and a staff dwelling,” says Ann.
“The quality of the workmanship and materials used in the building is exceptional, and it’s one of the few buildings in York roofed with distinctive Westmoreland green slates.
Flamingos, acrylic on paper, by Jack Hellewell, at Kentmere House Gallery
“We bought the property in 1991: the large rooms, high
ceilings and spacious staircase make it ideal for use as a gallery. Two
rooms, the hall, stairs and landing are used for display, with more than 100
paintings at any time.”
Should you be wondering, the name Kentmere was chosen by
one of the Methodist staff involved at the time, as he was a frequent visitor
to the village of the same name in the Lake District.
York Artworkers Association member Dave Cooper in his studio
YORK Artworkers Association’s 25th anniversary exhibition at Pyramid Gallery went so well last year that the group has decided to hold another.
Members
will be exhibiting at Terry Brett’s gallery in Stonegate, York, from Saturday
to February 23. “I’m anticipating it
will look unusually full,” he says.
Artist Adrienne French at work in her studio
“We want
to show everyone’s work if we can, but I expect the walls to look very full of
pictures, in the style of the Royal Academy Summer Show, but better. The standard
of work being submitted is very high and I foresee a really exciting exhibition
in both first-floor galleries and all the way up the staircase too.”
Art,
ceramics and jewellery by 30 members will be on show in an exhibition curated
by Terry, who is a YAA member himself.
Silver urchin bracelet, by Karen Thomas
“York
Artworkers Association was formed 26 years ago by a group of artists and people
who were working in design, graphics and galleries in order to provide a social
network of people interested in the arts,” he says.
“They meet
every month at Joseph’s Well, off Micklegate, where they invite speakers to
talk about a topic that could be anything do to with their own art practice or
an art-related organisation. Recent speakers have included a former member of
the theatrical drumming group Stomp and a sculptor who demonstrated modelling a
horse in clay.”
Snowden, by Kate Petitt
Last year’s
silver anniversary was marked by the Pyramid show, open to all association
members working in the arts. A book was produced to accompany the exhibition.
The sequel
will feature more members, several of whom will be present at Saturday’s launch
from 11am on a day when refreshments will be served until 2.30pm.
Artist Kate Petitt. PIcture: Olivia Brabbs
York painters
and printmakers taking part will be Richard and Valerie Bell; Dave Cooper;
Chrissie Dell; Adrienne French; Mandy Grant; Anna Harding; Luisa Holden; John Jirkwood;
Caroline Lord; Bernadette Oliver; Peter Park; Kate Pettitt; Liz and Saul
Salter; Lesley Seeger; Lesley Shaw; Jill Tattersall; Donna Taylor and Joe
Vaughan.
Catherine
Boyne-Whitelegg, Francesca Green, Sophie Hamilton, Ilona Sulikova and Chris
Utley will contribute ceramics; Tim Pierce, sculpture, and Ann Southeran,
stained glass.
Looking Up Iantosque, by Dave Cooper
Needlework,
felting and textiles will be shown by Carol Coleman, Cathy Needham, Sarah
Jackson and Julia Wilkins; weaving by Jacqueline James; basketry by Heather
Dawe, and jewellery by Karen Thomas and Richard Whitelegg.
All of the work will be for sale and exhibition images can be seen at pyramidgallery.com and on social media. Pyramid Gallery, York, is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and on some Sundays from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.