ds575 Bilbo, Sue and Elland preparing to ascend Five Rise Locks, Bingley 36×24″
Well, The Gallery has now been under my care for two months and, whilst I’m still playing catch-up with the many (often unforeseen) tasks associated with running a business, it’s beginning to feel like a well-connected extension of my creative output. Not the least of the achievements is that the Gallery’s website is now online at www.thebingleygallery.com. This will increasingly provide up-to-date details of what’s going on, from current and future exhibitions, profiles of guest artists, video clips (I treated myself to a time-lapse video camera), merchandise and……art. At present I’m not selling directly from the website, but details of a selection of work, including prices, will be included. Perhaps I’m a little old-fashioned, but I always recommend that any artwork is best seen ‘in the flesh’ than via a too-often manipulated photographic image.
14th July sees the end of Leyla Murr’s Abstract Landscape Exhibition in the front room. I’ll miss the sheer vibrancy of her wonderful acrylic works. Abstract work has had a bit of a Marmite reaction from many visitors, who are either exuberantly enthusiastic or distinctly reserved. Perhaps the most interesting reaction has been that of those who have approached it cautiously, but have been won over by positive feelings produced in them by the works, something that we figurative painters often struggle for.
The following exhibition – the Gallery’s Summer Show, runs from the 18th July to 11th August, and amongst the eclectic mix of styles, media and approaches, I can guarantee that there will plenty to appeal to everyone. Many of the artists are members of the Aire Valley Arts Group, including Kath Bonson, Amy Charlesworth, Jane Fielder, Tim Hales, Gemma Hobbs, Caroline Hardaker, Catryn Henderson, Anne Marwick, Nancy Steadman and Jan Whittock. Whilst few of these are new to The Gallery, their work for this show promises fresh approaches and new pieces. In addition, there are artists who I’ve worked with, exhibited alongside and admired, in some cases for many years and others who have only recently come to my attention. These guests include Clarke Avery, Liz Brooks, Lis Holt, Mandy Long, Daniel Shiel, Ben Snowden, Rob Thomson and Stella Verity. Let’s just hope we’ve enough wall space! One of my reasons for such a varied group is to consider artists to feature in forthcoming exhibitions, so do let me know whose work you’d like to see in more detail. And what better way to view them than by attending the Summer Exhibition preview on Weds 17 July between 7 and 9pm – hope to see you there.
Those who follow me or the Gallery on Facebook will have recently heard of my links with walkers. I inherited the Gallery with a ‘Bingley Welcomes Walkers’ sticker on the window and these friendly folks soon made themselves known to me. Their very active group combines local group strolls, with building community spirit and supporting local businesses – brilliant. I’ve also, for many years, had links with Chris and Tony Grogan of Skyware publishing – walking enthusiasts whose hobby became a business, devising ‘A Dales Highway’ and publishing guide books to this and other routes, many of which are accessible using the Settle Carlisle Line: https://www.daleshighway.co.uk/index.htm. Over the years I’ve painted a good many views from their spectacular walks and I was pleased to be able to offer space in the Gallery for their guides and the pamphlets that BWW produce. Those familiar with the routes might also be interested in a new range of mugs featuring my paintings of views from A Dales Highway, the Three Peaks, the Pennine Way and other routes. All of a size suitable for thirsty walkers and produced locally by The Dandy Arthouse.
My son, Jonathan, recently finished his GCSEs and looking for useful tasks, has listed some gifts (but not artwork!) on eBay for those unable to visit the gallery. The first items up are my new 2020 ‘Trees’ calendar and Saltaire postcards – just put David Starley into the search box! Those people who tell me they still have copies of my 2013 ‘Cats of Saltaire’ calendar will find that, give or take an occasional bank holiday, is actually correct for the current year, but you will need a new calendar for next year!
I’m pleased to have started finding time for painting. Recent works include a view of Five Rise locks, from a photo taken some years back, when I helped the Sue Day and her horse-drawn narrowboat, Elland, negotiate the locks. A big view of Malham Cove has recently been completed and currently on the easel is a newer take on the Ribblehead Viaduct. More unusually, under the influence of Leyla, is a rare David Starley abstract work- come and see what you think!