The bank holiday weekend took me to Halifax

The bank holiday weekend took me to Halifax to see an exhibition of two of Oldhams most talented artists who are leading the “Northern Art” scene.

Peter Stanaway and Kevin Haynes are exhibiting until the 25th May at the Arts Charity at Dean Clough Mills.

I first came across Peter’s work during my time on the council, when two of his paintings were installed in the Civic Centre as part of the borough’s impressive art collection. The council is fortunate to be the custodian of a significant and diverse collection—much of it generously gifted—which includes works by renowned artists such as L.S. Lowry, Helen Bradley, and William Stott.

Whenever the Oldham Open exhibition is held at Gallery Oldham, I always look forward to seeing Peter Stanaway’s work included.

Kevin’s work is renowned and has a significant following. I first saw his work at the Oldham Open many years ago, and was delighted when he generously painted a special piece for Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham, raising money for this vital facility both from the original sale and the prints which followed.

Both artists tell the story of the working class industrial North, and the local connection they have comes through the scenes they paint in the canals, mills and lives of everyday folk. Both were in high demand by the public who had attended the event, but I did manage to speak to Peter for a while which was a treat.

I don’t often encourage visits outside our borough, not least of all because there is plenty to see and do here and we have an amazing gallery of our own, but if you fancy a trip to Halifax and want to see a great collection of their work in one place it’s well worth it.

There is a nice article about it in the Oldham Times here https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/…/25084455.two-oldham…/

Thanks

Jim