Graham Ibbeson Summer Season
7th July 2022
For a limited time only, it’s possible to visit not one but 2 fabulous exhibitions featuring the work of local artist, Graham Ibbeson.
Casting Characters
Showing in The Gallery @TheGlassworks until Sunday, 31 July, this exhibition includes moulds of well-loved performers, which later become bronze statues, in their raw state using a fibreglass technique, part of the sculpting process.
Inspired by Graham’s workshop, figures include celebrated performers such as Eric Morecambe; Benny Hill; Laurel & Hardy and for the very first time Grahams latest sculpture of Ken Dodd with Diddyman, Dickie Mint, on display by kind special permission from Lady Dodd.
People can get involved during their visits to the exhibition by striking the famous poses of the characters and sharing them on the Barnsley Museums social media channels.
The exhibition kick-started the ‘Graham Ibbeson Summer Season’ which people can experience right throughout spring and summer. As well as Casting Characters the ‘Summer Season’ includes High Noon to Midnight, Drawings by Graham Ibbeson, Words by Paul Thwaites hosted at the Cooper Gallery from Saturday, 16 July until Saturday, 3 September, a limited-edition publication, and a brand-new public art trail featuring much of the artist’s work in Barnsley.
High Noon to Midnight
16th Jul – 1st Oct 2022
Whilst recovering from major surgery in 2019, Graham Ibbeson returned to his first love – drawing.
For the very first time, over 30 artworks will be on display at the Cooper Gallery offering a personal reflection of two generations. Family portraits are drawn using charcoal, with compassion and humour.
The new work is accompanied by poetry composed by Graham’s cousin, Paul Thwaites, and inspired by these drawings.
‘I use my family and friends as subject matter, and conjure up observations from the past, present, and occasionally the pub, to bring a narrative together. I’m a figurative artist, with a keen interest in human nature, relationships, and the little absurdities of life
that bring humour to the fore.’
Graham Ibbeson, May 2022
Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) said: “Graham’s work is featured in locations across the globe and celebrates well-loved characters from entertainment and sport as well as capturing monumental moments in history. We are incredibly proud to have an artist of his calibre from Barnsley, putting our borough on the world map, and his new exhibition is a real treat for fans of art, sculpture and design.”
To find out more visit www.cooper-gallery.com
