ART IN REVOLUTION ~ LIVERPOOL 1911

THE relationship between a 100 year old ground-breaking art exhibition and a city’s radicalism is the focus for a new exhibition, opening next month, at the Walker Art Gallery from 24 June to 25 September 2011.   Art in Revolution:- Liverpool 1911 celebrates the pioneering exhibition The Sandon Studios Society exhibition of Modern Art including work by the Post-Impressionists, which ran at the Bluecoat (formerly known as the Liberty Buildings), Liverpool, from 4 March to 1 April 1911. Inspired by Manet and the Post-Impressionists, the writer and artist Roger Fry’s controversial London exhibition of 1910, The Sandon Studios Society brought about 50 paintings and drawings from the show to Liverpool the following year. The society’s exhibition was the first time that such a large number of mainland European Post-Impressionist works were shown in the UK outside London and the first time anywhere alongside their British counterparts.  Art in Revolution: Liverpool 1911 evokes the visual impact of the 1911 exhibition with a mixture of works from the original show and those similar in style and period. The exhibition also considers both the wider socio-political context of the 1911 exhibition and the art establishment’s reaction to it.  In the summer of 1911 Liverpool was gripped by mass social unrest and strike action which peaked in August, when British troops were dispatched to deal with protesters on the streets and a warship was stationed in the Mersey. The drastic actions of the then home secretary Winston Churchill, which resulted in violent clashes and a number of deaths, have led some historians to conclude that events in Liverpool during 1911 were the nearest the UK has come to a revolution.   Curator of European fine art Xanthe Brooke says:- “Art in Revolution: Liverpool 1911 has a broad appeal, combining an exploration of the major strikes of 1911, which culminated in mass demonstrations within yards of the Walker Art Gallery, with an outspoken group of artists committed to questioning authority. The works by the European Post-Impressionists represent a momentous shift in the Western art world, which served to encourage radical British artists like those of The Sandon Studios Society to champion their work and try and emulate it. The inimitable style of Gauguin continues to fascinate audiences today but in the early 20th century it was a brave and startling sight. The Sandon Studios Society showed considerable foresight in bringing his work and others like him to wider public attention.”   Highlights of the exhibition include Sister of Charity by Paul Gauguin, Saint-Tropez le sentier de douane by Paul Signac, Breton women in the rain (La Pluie sur la Route) by Paul Sérusier and Purple Beech Trees near Melun by Henri Matisse. It also features two delicate drawings and a watercolour by Vincent van Gogh.  Art in Revolution:- Liverpool 1911 also features archival material (photographs, film and ephemera) to illustrate this dramatic period in the city’s history and provide a backdrop to The Sandon Studios Society’s visionary exhibition. For the Society, the 1911 exhibition was an opportunity to assert their own artistic values and distance themselves from the ‘art establishment’ and possibly even be the catalyst for an ‘art revolution’.  

A section of Art in Revolution:- Liverpool 1911 focuses on this radical group; their members and their beliefs. Featuring 6 of his works, there is a special focus on Albert Lipczinski, a German-born Polish emigrant who was taught by Augustus John at the Liverpool University Art Sheds around 1902. Lipczinski’s bohemian lifestyle and political connections make him an interesting member of the group and a reflection of their rebellious nature. The exhibition also features British artists who the society admired and featured in their exhibition. Highlights include The Horseshoe Bend of the River by Philip Wilson Steer, Portrait of Sir John Brunner by Augustus John, John Lavery’s portrait of the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova and several paintings and prints by James Hamilton Hay. The relationship between the Walker Art Gallery (the ‘establishment’ of the time) and the society is explored. The gallery hosted the annual Liverpool Autumn Exhibition which set the standard for contemporary art and was often in conflict with the free thinking society. However by 1911 there were signs of change at the gallery. The exhibition includes photographic prints from the Northern Photographic Exhibition, the Walker’s own 1911 exhibition. This relatively new media, which was derided by Gauguin was an interesting choice for such a supposedly traditional institution.  It also includes paintings acquired by the Gallery in 1911 such as the impressionist view of St Paul’s from the River, Morning Sun by Le Sidaner.

Art in Revolution:- Liverpool 1911 is part of the Liverpool and the World Exhibition Series, part-funded by the European Union. David Malpass, Director of European Programme at the Northwest Regional Development Agency, says:- “Tourism is a major economic driver in the Northwest and it is important that we continue to promote the region as a leading tourist attraction, encouraging visitors from far and wide to visit our attractions. Liverpool is rich in culture and heritage, and this new exhibition is a real demonstration of what we have to offer. I’m delighted that ERDF has been able to support this exhibition and look forward to seeing the gallery come June.”

For more info about Art in Revolution ~ Liverpool 1911 and the Walker Art Gallery go to:- liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/revolution.

Youth development charity celebrate shortlisting for The Northern Sports Award

EMPOWERING Youth Foundation (EYF), which is starting programmes in Liverpool this Summer, is a charity dedicated to teaching life skills to youth through the medium of golf. EYF is delighted to have not only been nominated, but also shortlisted for the ‘Best Grassroots Scheme’ by The MBNA Northern Sports Awards, with the winners due to be announced at an awards ceremony on Monday, 4 July 2011, at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club.

In its first year, The Northern Sports Awards has been introduced to recognise the outstanding contribution of sport to the North of England. The awards will bring together all sporting disciplines, commercial and professional bodies and other interested parties from across the North together with fans and supporters.

EYF is a youth development organisation delivering life skills to youth through the game of golf. The programme was initially launched in Manchester and the charity is now going to be expanding into Liverpool this year. Youth aged 7+ can take part in the progressive golf skills and life skills programme based on nine core values inherent to the game of golf including honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and confidence. The participants learn a variety of life skills including self-management, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution in a fun, non-competitive environment. The youth are encouraged to utilise these skills both on and off the golf course.

Dawn Roberts, Executive Director of EYF said:- “We were absolutely delighted when we found out that we had been shortlisted for ‘The Best Grassroots Scheme’ category of The Northern Sports Awards – and it was incredibly humbling when we realised the high profile charities we were shortlisted against. Regardless of what actually happens on the Awards evening, it is an honour to be nominated and a real endorsement of our achievements so far.”

There are 19 Awards being presented on the night and EYF has been shortlisted against three premier league football clubs and a major UK retailor; Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, Savvy Sport - ASDA Sporting Chance, Everton in the Community and the Manchester United Foundation.

Business is blooming after firm’s launch at Southport Flower Show

LOCAL solar panel firm BSOLAR has seen turnover rise from nothing to over £750,000 since launching at Southport Flower Show last year.  The firm won its first clients after having a trade stand at Southport Flower Show in August last year, in August 2010, and have since been rated as a top class installation company by Which Magazine.  The company which specialises in installing energy-efficient solar panels, has gone from 2 members of staff to 8 and now has 3 company vehicles to meet the surge in demand for solar panels.

BSOLAR Director Peter Bladen said:- “Launching our business at the flower show has given us such a great boost and it definitely kick started our business. We have had a huge level of interest from people across the region since we started and our sales have rocketed.”

Southport Flower Show Chief Executive David Jackson said:- “We’ve had fantastic feedback from all kinds of businesses, which took advantage of the trade stands at last year’s flower show. BSOLAR’s success is a great example of how the flower show can provide an ideal starting point for businesses. The show attracts more than 70,000 people and brings millions of pounds into the local economy.”

The total spend directly linked to the show last year was £3.3 million including over £400,000 spent on accommodation in the area as 79% of the show’s visitors were from outside Merseyside.  The research demonstrates that the show generated £4.4 million in net economic impact in the region in 2010 and supports approximately 107 full time jobs. In addition, 97% of visitors to the show indicated that the August event was the only or main reason for visiting the area.   This year’s show takes place in Victoria Park, Southport on August 18 to 21.

For more information about Southport Flower Show call:- 01704 547 147 or visit:- southportflowershow.co.uk.