A retrospective of over 50 paintings by Beryl Cook – one of Britain’s best loved artists – is proving a bit hit at Bath’s Victoria Art Gallery where it has been breaking attendance records since opening last month.
The exhibition covers her entire career and includes paintings never seen in public and also signed limited editions for sale.
Meanwhile, coming up shortly, Bath Spa University acting students to bring its Beryl Cook: Intimate Relations exhibition to life.
On Saturday May 2, from 12 noon – 3pm, 15 Bath Spa University acting students will be bringing the exhibition to life.
They will be on hand to introduce visitors to the paintings of Beryl Cook (1926-2008).
Stationed next to key works in the exhibition, the students will respond to the people and situations in the artworks with words and poetry readings.
At a first run of the event on March 21, the public response was overwhelmingly positive. Verbal feedback included:
“Great exhibition, brought to life brilliantly by talented Bath Spa University acting students.”
“Fabulous art – fabulous students bringing it to life with their poems.”
“Fantastic. Bought a book for her to sign – she is so still here! If/when the student returns to read their poems – could one please dress up as Beryl?”
“Fantastic exhibition – makes everyone smile. Poetry by Bath Spa students inspirational.”
“My face is aching from smiling! A very happy show. Loved the poems too.”
The Introducing Beryl event on May 2, is free to Discovery Card and exhibition ticket-holders and has been organised in association with Bath Spa University.
The Virtual Museum popped in for a chat with Gallery Manager Jon Benington and to discover just how popular an exhibition this is.
Beryl Cook: Intimate Relations remains open to the public until Wednesday May 6, by which point it is expected to have attracted 10,000 visitors.
It was co-curated by the Victoria Art Gallery and the Alexander Gallery who are the Bath-based publishers of Beryl’s limited edition prints.
The Victoria Art Gallery is run by Bath & North East Somerset Council, and is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 1.30– 5pm, closed Mondays. Telephone 01225 477233; website: www.victoriagal.org.uk
