Exhibition opens showcasing works by famous north Staffordshire artist
The Brampton Museum will host works dedicated to the late Arthur Berry
Last updated 15th Jan 2022
An exhibition of works by one of north Staffordshire’s most famous artists will be on display in Newcastle-Under-Lyme from this weekend.
The Brampton Museum will partially reopen this Saturday (15th January) with an exhibition dedicated to the late Arthur Berry who was born in Smallthorne.
The artist is known as the ‘Lowry of the Potteries’ and the upcoming exhibition of his work is the result of a collaboration between the museum and the Barewall Art Gallery in Burslem.
Cllr Jill Waring, cabinet member for culture and heritage, said: “This is a sign of things to come – we’re starting as we mean to go on.
“This is an amazing opportunity to shine the spotlight on a well-known, local artist – whose work is often compared to LS Lowry because of its subject matter and style – and raise awareness of him as a great in the British art scene.
“This is going to be really popular, both with residents and visitors from outside of the borough.”
Arthur Berry lived in Wolstanton and worked with the New Vic Theatre prior to his death in 1994.
He was known for capturing the culture, people and landscape of the local area, and was also a successful playwright, poet and teacher.
As a teacher, he is best known for his association with the Burslem School of Art (which later became North Staffordshire Polytechnic) where he had previously studied.
Accompanying the artworks on display at the Brampton Museum will be a series of events, detailing the life and legacy of Arthur Berry.
There will also be numerous interactive elements, with visitors able to create their own original artwork in the style of the artist, who’s widely regarded as one of the most famous in north Staffordshire.
‘Arthur Berry: A Ragged Richness’ comprises more than 20 of Berry’s masterpieces, including ‘The Bicycle Race’ from 1973 which is thought to relate to a milk race in Newcastle.
The accompanying events programme includes: talks by local historians, a special film screening and the opportunity to purchase a book about Arthur Berry written by art historian Peter Davies – with a book signing also taking place this Saturday (booking is required).
The new exhibition is the first to take place in the museum’s recently completed Jim Wain Courtyard Gallery, which is the result of an 18-month redevelopment.
Amanda Bromley, from Barewall Art Gallery, commented: “It’s a great honour to work with the council as they prepare to host the first exhibition in the lovely, new gallery space at the Brampton Museum.
“As Arthur Berry lived in Wolstanton at the end of his life, it’s a wonderful homecoming for him.”
The Brampton Museum has been shut throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and while it’s partially reopening for this exhibition, it will reopen fully in the spring.
‘Arthur Berry: A Ragged Richness’ opens on Saturday 15th January, and runs until 6th March.
The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10am – 5pm) and on Sundays (1.30-5pm).