Preview The Illustrators at Leeds Gallery
Admire original artwork by Walt Disney, Quentin Blake and others at the Leeds Gallery
Preview: The Illustrators at Leeds Gallery
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Have you ever fancied being the proud owner of an original artwork by a celebrated British artist, or getting up-close and personal with one of Walt Disney’s creations? Well, throughout December, the newest, independent commercial gallery in Leeds is offering you just that.
The Leeds Gallery rather leapt onto the arts scene when it opened in September with a retrospective exhibition of work by the renowned photographer of famous faces, Terry O’Neill. Now a unique exhibition of original sketches and final artworks from some of Britain’s best-loved children’s illustrators are on show.
The Illustratorsopened in mid-November, and presents a rare opportunity to view and purchase “museum quality” pieces that have been carefully selected from private archives by gallery founders, Ellie Halls Schiadas and Matthew Andrews – in association with the Chris Beetles gallery in London.
The show spans 100 years of illustration and boasts a number of famous names and recognisable images. Even the most infrequent gallery-goer will find something to get excited about; whether it be trying to trace the pen marks of an original Arthur Rackham or Quentin Blake; getting face to face with Snow White, as depicted in an original cell from Disney’s 1937 animated film; or reminiscing over some original drawings of Paddington Bear and Postman Pat.
The list goes on, but what is particularly unusual and appealing about the illustrations in the show, according to Ellie Halls Schiadas, is that “many of them were drawn as artwork for books, so there are annotations and scribbles jotted on them by the artists as notes for the printers – page numbers, where they should be cropped, colour notes and so on… It’s really great to see the workings behind the drawings” she continues, “particularly when they’re famous books that many of us grew up with”.
Located in the heart of Leeds’ “arts quarter”, close to the West Yorkshire Playhouse, a trip to Leeds Gallery can be perfectly combined with a Christmas shopping jaunt (you’ll have to do it at some point). Just ring the bell and you will be welcomed in, out of the cold, to have a nosey. As all works in the exhibition are for sale, you may even be tempted to do a spot of shopping at the gallery itself. In addition to the illustrations, which range in price from £350 to over £10k, there is also a selection of signed, first edition and out-of-print titles available from a more affordable £12.
Readings from some of the books featuring in the show will also be taking place. These will run alongside other regular events at the gallery, which include music performances, life drawing classes, yoga, and private functions.
Already, Leeds Gallery has brought internationally renowned photography and illustration to the city, attracting visitors from across the country, as well the support from local residents and artists. In January a new exhibition showcasing work from Yorkshire artists will open, but before then, don’t miss your chance to take a trip down memory lane – visitThe Illustrators.
The Illustrators, Leeds Gallery, 14 November – 3 January 2011
Posted on Monday 19th December 2011
Amy Clancy
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