October will see the unveiling of a dynamic and diverse exhibition called Opposites Attract at Cusworth Hall, Doncaster. Visitors to the Hall will be able to view a collaboration between two of Yorkshire’s finest artists – Ashley Jackson and Graham Ibbeson – and the name of the exhibition gives a clue that they have very different and idiosyncratic styles. Jackson’s atmospheric watercolour paintings capture the landscape and passion of Yorkshire and what better setting than to be hung against the majestic backdrop of Cusworth Hall. At the same time and around every corner, Ibbeson’s sculptures impart expression and humour – creating the “opposites” of the exhibition. The two artists share a firm and longstanding friendship and their enthusiasm for Yorkshire is evident as the “attraction”.
Jackson has been a professional artist for over 50 years, opening his first Gallery in 1963 at Dodworth, then moving to Barnsley, before settling near to his beloved moorland in the town of Holmfirth in the heart of the Pennines: his paintings have become synonymous with Yorkshire. Accolades have since followed with the release of a Yorkshire Bank debit card in 2009 which featured an Ashley Jackson painting (the card was to win the Best Design at the Card and Payments Services Awards in 2010). Last year a Grand Central train which travels between Bradford and Kings Cross three times a day was named Ashley Jackson – The Yorkshire Artist in his honour with each carriage showing reproductions of his paintings in vinyl, and so making art and Yorkshire accessible to all. Jackson’s down-to-earth nature has seen him at the forefront of art on television with his series Making the most of . . . being the second programme to air on the newly formed Channel 4, followed by A Brush with Ashley which was so popular that it ran for nine series.
Ibbeson graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1978 and since then he has exhibited extensively in Europe and the USA. His work can be found in both public and private collections with over 25 pieces available to view in the public domain in towns and cities across England. One of his most popular works is a statue of the comedian and national treasure Eric Morecambe which can be found at Morecambe Bay. A further sculpture will be unveiled for the Olympic Games. See our earlier blog for more info about Graham and his work.
There is no doubt that this will be an eye-catching exhibition for all ages that celebrates much that is unique about Yorkshire.
Opposites Attract will be held at Cusworth Hall in Doncaster from 6 October 2012 – 2 June 2013
You can find out more at Cusworth Hall’s website.
Opposites Attract
Cusworth Hall
Cusworth Lane
Doncaster
DN5 7TU
T: 01302 782 342
Contact: Frank Carpenter , Cusworth Hall
Admission: £2.00 adult, £1.00 concession, under-5s free
Open hours 10.30am – 4.00pm