Contemporary Six - The Gallery

Norman Adams
Trees in the Wind, 1956
Watercolour on paper
53.5 x 36cm
68 x 52cm framed

We are looking forward to seeing you at the British Art Fair next week!

On Stand 62, we'll be showcasing works by renowned artists such as David Hockney, Leon Kossoff, Henry Moore, Adrian Heath, Mary Fedden, Louisa Longstaff-Scales, Linda Schwab, and many more...

The Gallery will be open as normal during the week

This painting depicts an intimate moment between a mother and child. Ghislaine’s brushstrokes are loose and expressive, with bold outlines defining their figures while allowing the forms to blend softly, reflecting the emotional bond between them.

The background is a vibrant yellow, which creates an intense yet serene atmosphere, suggesting a sense of warmth and light surrounding the pair.

This work has a simplicity to it, but it is rich in emotional resonance, highlighting the universal theme of maternal love and care. The painting's raw, gestural style suggests movement and tenderness, capturing a fleeting, powerful moment between the two.

Both ‘The Fragile Thread’ and ‘Landscape in Colour’ are on until Saturday 28th September 2024.

Cordelia with Bryn
Oil on linen
60 x 50cm

For more information on this work, please contact the Gallery.

We are extremely proud to announce the recent sale of this important early work by Bomberg.

“My object is the construction of Pure Form. I reject everything in painting that is not Pure Form”

David Bomberg, born to Polish-Jewish parents in Whitechapel, London, grew up in poverty. He formed close ties with fellow artists Mark Gertler, Isaac Rosenberg, and Jacob Kramer, collectively known as the 'Whitechapel Boys.' In 1911, he began studying at the Slade School of Fine Art, where his style merged cubism and futurism under the influence of Walter Richard Sickert. Bomberg was expelled from Slade in 1913 and traveled to Paris with Jacob Epstein, where he met artists like Picasso, Modigliani, and Derain. This experience shaped his fusion of the European avant-garde with his Jewish identity.

Bomberg served with the Royal Engineers during World War I, and in the post-war years, his art reflected the influence of the 'machine age,' using strong geometric forms. His 1919 work, Figure Composition, represents a transition between his early and later styles, combining bold, angular shapes with a softer tone. Bomberg created many painting series, including Barges, Bomb Store, and Ghetto Theatre. His Stable Interior series, which includes works like Horses and Riders (now held by the Harris Museum), examined abstracted figures in a vertical format.

Although Bomberg was an influential teacher at Borough Polytechnic (1945-53), mentoring students like Frank Auerbach and Leon Kossoff, he died in poverty in 1957. His work has been featured in major retrospectives, including a 1988 Tate exhibition curated by Richard Cork and a 2017 show at Pallant House in Chichester. His art is held in prestigious collections, including those at MoMA and Tate.

Figure Composition (Stable Interior Series), 1919
Oil on paper laid down on board
88 x 39 cm

Norman Adams RA (1927–2005) was a prominent British painter known for his distinctive blend of expressionism and symbolism. Throughout his career, Adams explored themes of human suffering, nature, and religious experience, often translating profound psychological and spiritual depth into his work.

Adams' use of colour was often evocative, aiming to elicit emotional responses and create atmospheres that transcended mere representation. He frequently engaged with religious themes, particularly through his impressive series of paintings of the 14 Stations of the Cross commissioned for St Mary's Roman Catholic church, Manchester.

Adams was also an influential teacher and held several academic positions, including at the Manchester School of Art and the Royal College of Art. His work has been exhibited widely and remains a significant part of British post-war art.

‘There is something pure, clean in the hills and the sea..’ - Norman Adams RA

Both ‘Landscape in Colour’ and ‘The Fragile Thread’ are on until Saturday 28th September 2024.

Olive Trees, Provence I, 1997
Watercolour on paper
34 x 37cm
48 x 52cm framed

For more information on the piece, please contact the Gallery.

Here are several detailed shots showcasing the masterful mark-making of Ghislaine Howard in her current solo exhibition, ‘The Fragile Thread’. Ghislaine expertly balances colour and form, creating works that evoke a sense of stillness amidst chaos.

Both ‘The Fragile Thread’ and ‘Landscape in Colour’ are on until Saturday 28th September 2024.

For more information on these works, please contact the Gallery.

‘Landscape in Colour’, is a collection of works on paper by the esteemed mixed media artist Norman Adams RA (1927-2005). A significant figure in the modern British art scene, Adams served as Head of Painting at Manchester College of Art from 1962 to 1970. His acclaimed Stations of the Cross series in the iconic St Mary's Church exemplifies his impact on the art world. We are honoured to host this exhibition in the city he cherished, Manchester.

Both ‘Landscape in Colour’ and ‘The Fragile Thread’ are on until Saturday 28th September 2024.

Olive Trees Near St. Remy de Provence , 1981
Watercolour on paper
33 x 37cm
48 x 52cm framed

For more information on this piece, please contact the Gallery.

‘Landscape in Colour’, Norman Adams RA begins this Saturday, September 7th 2024 and will take place in our downstairs Gallery.

See you all soon!

We are excited to now be stocking the new book ‘Helen Clapcott: In the Light of Buildings’ by Andrew Lambirth. Available to purchase for £29.99.

This book explores the life and works of Helen Clapcott, who has spent half a century painting the evolving landscape of North-West England, particularly the transformation of Stockport’s industrial valley into a commuter corridor. In this first major monograph, Andrew Lambirth explores Clapcott’s unconventional career, her mastery of tempera, and her deep connection to her native landscape. Based on extensive conversations, Lambirth offers a vivid account of Clapcott’s background, training, and working methods, highlighting her unwavering artistic vision and personal bond with the city she loves.

We also offer a selection of original artworks by the artist. All available pieces can be viewed via our website.

The hang has begun!

‘The Fragile Thread’, Ghislaine Howard - Saturday, September 7th 2024.

Coming soon…

‘The Fragile Thread’, Ghislaine Howard - Saturday, September 7th 2024.

We have started the hang…

See you all soon!

‘Landscape in Colour’ by Norman Adams RA. Saturday, September 7th 2024.

We are eagerly anticipating our upcoming solo exhibitions at the Gallery.

In our main Gallery space, we are proud to present ‘The Fragile Thread’ by Ghislaine Howard, offering a glimpse into the artist's life through a curated selection of works that span her illustrious career in painting.

Simultaneously, ‘Landscape in Colour’ by Norman Adams RA will be featured in our more intimate downstairs Gallery. With its dark walls providing a striking contrast, this space is ideally suited to showcase the vibrant hues of Adams' works on paper.

Both exhibitions will open on Saturday, September 7th - we look forward to welcoming you!

Here we have another beautiful Mary Fedden piece which is available at the Gallery.

Mary Fedden was celebrated for her still life paintings, which often featured everyday objects such as flowers, fruit, and pottery arranged in vibrant, whimsical compositions. Her works are distinguished by their bold use of colour, simplified forms, and a blend of realism with abstract elements, creating a unique and recognisable style that evokes both intimacy and a sense of calm.

Artwork details:
Seashells and Brushes, 2008
Oil on board
50.8 x 61cm

If you would like any further details, please contact us via direct message or email and we will be happy to pass on more information.

We hope you're all making the most of summer, despite the classic Manchester weather! 🌧️ If you can't bask in the sun, let these paintings be your escape. ☀️

If you would like any further details of the paintings shown here, please contact us via direct message or email and we will be happy to pass on more information.

We are thrilled to share this beautiful watercolour painting by Jim Moir. His passion for painting birds stems from a lifelong love of nature and wildlife. Moir has often spoken about how birds captivate him, both for their beauty and their character. He appreciates the diversity of bird species and finds them to be fascinating subjects for artistic expression.

Artwork Details:
Whitethroat II
Watercolour on paper
42 x 29cm
55.5 x 42.5cm Framed

We are excitedly getting ready for Ghislaine’s upcoming solo exhibition ‘The Fragile Thread’.

The preview will take place on Saturday 7th September 2024 between 10:30am - 5pm.

All work will go live on the website at 5pm the night before on Friday 6th September 2024.

Image: A detail from ‘Tallis at the Table’ which will be part of the show.

“Under the Moon” (Self-Portrait) by Billy Childish

As a painter, Childish is deeply influenced by early 20th-century expressionism, especially the works of artists like Edvard Munch and Van Gogh. His paintings, such as this one, often feature bold, vigorous brushstrokes and a vivid, sometimes confrontational use of colour.

Childish's work rejects the polished and conceptual tendencies of contemporary art, favouring an unfiltered and direct approach, as seen here with his unique choice of canvas. His art is often seen as an extension of his broader creative philosophy, which champions authenticity, emotional honesty, and a connection to the past.

Here is a piece we are showcasing in our upcoming exhibition ‘Landscape in Colour’ by Norman Adams RA. This piece is a fantastic example of Adams’ work. His landscapes are not mere representations of nature, but transformative experiences that capture the viewers imagination and spirit.

The preview will take place on Saturday 7th September 10:30 - 5:00pm at the Gallery in our downstairs space.

Artwork details:
Trees at Sherwood Grow, 1957
Watercolour on paper
59 x 47.5cm
74 x 62cm framed

We have received a very compelling delivery this week by ceramicist Ruth King. Photo’s really don’t do these pots justice - the glazes are incredibly captivating with their shifts in sheen and colour. They really do need to be viewed in the flesh!

See the website for all of Ruth’s new works - if you have any questions, please let us know.

We are excitedly preparing for our upcoming solo show by Ghislaine Howard.

This exhibition is a mini-retrospective that comprises a collection of works by Ghislaine from her early career to current paintings fresh from the studio. Ghislaine’s practice intricately weaves themes of human vulnerability, strength, and connection. 'The Fragile Thread' presents a curated selection of her most compelling pieces, reflecting her profound insight into the nature of existence.

This image is a wonderful sneak peek at Ghislaine’s studio.

The exhibition begins on the 7th of September and will run until the 28th.

Hi. Sigal is fundraising for GREATER MANCHESTER MAYORS CHARITY. It’s a charity that means a lot to her - Check out their JustGiving page to see what they're doing and why. Please donate if you can!

Team fundraising for GREATER MANCHESTER MAYORS CHARITY Help Sigal Reuben raise money to support GREATER MANCHESTER MAYORS CHARITY

We have this wonderfully expressive abstraction by Colin Taylor currently on display in the Gallery.

Depicting Knott Mill - the Deansgate station - the painting features loose and expressive brushwork, giving the painting a sense of movement and energy. While the overall composition feels layered, as if multiple elements are overlapping and interacting with each other. There is a balance between the abstract elements and the recognisable forms, allowing viewers to interpret the scene in various ways.

The artist’s use of line and geometric form creates echoes of the looming sky scrapers above and rough forms of the rail viaducts follow the iconic horizon line.

For more information about this work, please contact the Gallery.

Knott Mill 2
Oil, acrylic, pastel and ink on linen
79 x 61cm

We are excited to showcase this newly acquired work on paper by Mary Fedden. This piece is a beautiful example of her watercolour paintings, reflecting her passion for both opaque paint and still life compositions.

Still Life with Egg Cup and Volcano
Watercolour on paper
47.5 x 50cm framed
17 x 19cm unframed

We have quite a few works by Mary in the Gallery, if you would like more information on them, please email us at [email protected].

This painting by Michael Ashcroft portrays a rainy urban scene. The reflections on the wet pavement are rendered in soft, fluid brushstrokes, capturing the gleam of streetlights and the hazy glow of the city beyond. The composition depicts a moment of introspection within the urban landscape.

Ashcroft's use of light, reflection, and loose brushwork creates an evocative image that feels both real and dreamlike, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the scene's reflective surfaces and soft edges.

Under the Bridge, Oxford Road, Manchester
Oil on panel
25.5 x 25.5cm

Please contact us for more info.

Save the date: 7th September 2024

More info coming soon, so watch this space…

This painting by Kirsty Lackie is a whimsical depiction of an artist's workspace. On the left a vibrant sunflower with warm orange and golden yellow petals emerges from a red pot. The centre of the painting features an artist's palette decorated with thick blobs of paint - well used and smeared. The partly visible sketch of a flower hints at a studio in motion. The brushstrokes are expressive creating a playful and dynamic composition.

Pink
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 45cm

For more info, please contact the Gallery.

The Gallery is thrilled to say we have acquired this incredibly energetic charcoal drawing by British Figurative painter, Leon Kossoff.

In 1936, at ten years old, Leon Kossoff paid his first visit to London’s National Gallery. Entranced by the masterpieces on display, these works would become an enduring fascination throughout his career. For over forty years Kossoff created sketches, prints and paintings from the works by Old and Modern Masters such as Poussin, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Veronese, Constable, Cézanne and Degas, re-experiencing and re-imagining them through the act of drawing. The inspiration for this work, Rubens’s monumental painting ‘Minerva Protects Pax from Mars’ of 1629-30, is a jewel in the National Gallery’s collection. ��Kossoff created works from Ruben’s ‘Minerva Protects Pax from Mars’ for nearly a decade. This culminated in an oil painting of similar size to Ruben’s in 1981 and a suite of prints between 1988 – 1989. This present drawing is a preparatory sketch for the painting. Drawing is a crucial part of Kossoff’s creative process, and he repeatedly returns to the same subjects to fully familiarise himself with them and enter their world.

Image one:

Leon Kossoff
From 'Minerva Protects Pax from Mars' by Rubens, 1980 - 1981
Charcoal on paper
15 7/8 x 19 3/4 "
40.4 x 50 cm

Image two:

Minerva Protects Pax from Mars by Rubens.

For more info, please contact the Gallery.

Save the date: 7th September 2024

More info coming soon, so watch this space…

We are excited to have recently acquired this museum quality (as seen in secondary image) Ben Nicholson piece titled ‘A Spanner with Teeth’. (1973)

Whilst living in Great Shelford, near Cambridge, Nicholson executed a series of drawings based on tools he had purchased from a visiting plumber. He used these objects to create the composition seen in this piece.