I had half an hour between trains for a quick dash round the art gallery in Wolverhampton . Not really enough time to do it justice but certainly enough time to get a taste of the place and the nice people there let you take pictures as long as you sign the register and wear a little orange dot they provide you with.
The first room I was in was mainly concerned with sculpture. Seems Wolverhampton is a bit of a centre for sculpture. This upright fellow is called A Worker and is by John Paddison in 1960. To me, from the style, it seems no surprise that it was commissioned by the Amalagamated Engineering Union.
Young Aviator by Robert Jackson Emerson. There are a set of wings, out of sight here, on the childs ankles. By rushing round the gallery, I've missed the wings and an important part of the piece. I only read about them later.
This is Sea Fantasy by Thomas Bayliss Huxley-Jones who was born in Wolverhampton. He designed the Helios statue at BBC television centre in London and has already had a mention in this blog in December, right here
This is An Behearna Bhaiol - Gap of Danger by Locky Morris. Apart from being visual pleasing, it's worth a second look once you've read the blurb, so I'll type it out here for you.
"In An Behearna Bhaiol - Gap of danger, a serious of dustbin lids are presented side by side, as if to resemble the shields of a frontline conflict. Adding to the sense if imminent danger the lids bear the silhouetted outline of a row of an extended row of figures, marked in tar.
Bin lids have a particular significance and function in the context of Northern Ireland. they were used as an early warning system during the troubles, in which residents would bang on their bins to indicate the presence of police or political adversaries.
The piece also suggests a more universal experience of street violence, in which everyday objects are transformed into weaponry or armour during protests or riots."
As an indication to the speed of my visit, I only found out later that behind this glass wall was the tea room. The window was made by Sue Woolhouse in 1998
Here are some details from it.
4 pieces by Sophie Zadeh. I notice that they had brail notices - I wonder if they were intended to be touched
A closer view of Pod
And to finish off with, a few paintings.
Breton brother and sister by William Adolphe Bouguereau
The Lady of Shalott by Henry Darvel
Lady Playing Mandolin by John Phillip
7 comments:
Enjoyed your Wolverhampton Post Sandy.My experiences of Wolverhampton were usually finding my way out.
My youngest went to Wolverhampton University and we'd escape to the Black Country when visiting.
Does a missed tearoom mean a return visit in the future ?.
Those round back mandolins are a bugger for sliding round like that and making it more difficult to play.
Though I have to say, she doesn't look too bothered about it...
All sculptures should be touchable if you ask me. I would love to feel those dustbin lids - that seems like an accomplished work, taking the everyday object (at least they were when we were kids, before the wheelie bin, and I remember how that metal would feel, with its little dents and bashes), and bringing out the significance of its use in certain circumstances.
Jim, The tearoom may get it's visit yet - Wolverhampton has a ew things to see, especially since I completely missed it's museum but perhaps on passing again - not sure I would plan to go there as a destination.
Kim, I'm sure the round back of that mandolin would play havoc with the round front of my front and it too may slip into my lap. I think though for the young lady in the picture that a note perfect rendition of Boys of the Bluehill has become a secondary consideration.
It's a generational thing Shundo - I'm sure my kids would view the dustbin as a historical object rather than an object of nostalgia.
It amazes me how much you do. Your photos are a joy to look at. Really liked the stained glass window with the tea pot. I'll think about Wolverhampton differently too!
I love all the sculpture! I would go visit if I were near the area, thanks to you. Not many of us would have known about any of it if it weren't for you. Thank you, Sandy, thank you.
Thank you Hadriana and Becky, glad you enjoyed my wanders.
Post a Comment